The problem Guardiola must solve to fit Omar Marmoush into Man City’s starting XI | OneFootball

Manchester City‘s winter spending might be about to kick into gear with the capture of Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt.

Marmoush has been growing in stature over the past couple of years and just last season, registered 17 goals and six assists in 41 appearances across all competitions following his arrival from Wolfsburg — a tally that includes 12 Bundesliga goals.

However, it’s this season that he’s truly come to life.

Marmoush has already surpassed his Bundesliga tally from last season, netting 13 times in 15 games so far, with only Harry Kane (14) scoring more. The Egypt international has added another five goals in Europa League and DFB-Pokal play, while registering 12 assists across all competitions.

Man City are now being linked with a £50m move for the 25-year-old, who has already caught the attention of one of their iconic captains this season.

“Marmoush has incredible qualities. Of course, we wanted to stop him, but players like him only need a few moments to shine,” said Vincent Komapy after Marmoush scored twice in a 3-3 draw with his Bayern Munich side in October.

It’ll be difficult to persuade Frankfurt to sell this month given they’re only nine points behind Bayern in the Bundesliga title race and have Champions League qualification on their minds; not to mention ambitions of winning the Europa League for the second time in four years.

But even with their looming charges, it’s often hard to stop City getting their hands on a player if they decide they want him.

And there’s no doubt City need him, with the faltering Premier League champions suffering an incredible crash in form that’s seen them slip to sixth in the table. Reinforcements are required across the board.

How could Man City line up with Omar Marmoush?

There’s every chance that, despite his hefty price tag, Marmoush will be seen by Pep Guardiola as a rotational option for Erling Haaland, who is in desperate need of a rest after being run into the ground during City’s recent tough run.

However, it’s also hard to deny that City have missed Julian Alvarez more than they thought they would since his summer departure to Atletico Madrid.

The Argentine registered 36 goals and 17 assists in 103 appearances across all competitions during his time at the Etihad Stadium. But more important was his function playing behind Haaland, doing a lot of the dirty work and attracting defenders to free up the Norwegian to be his ruthless best in front of goal.

This is where Marmoush is likely to get his chance if he’s to be a regular Manchester City starter.

Marmoush has played as a No.9 this season for Frankfurt, but has ripped Bundesliga defences apart with his movement, dropping deep to link play and running behind with equal effectiveness. He’s also very happy running the channels, which is unsurprising given his previous experience as a winger.

Having Marmoush in this role would come as a major relief to Haaland, who would once again find more time and space in the box to unleash hell on goalkeepers, while no longer having to face questions over his lack of pressing and work without the ball.

But all of this comes with problems to solve first for Guardiola.

When Alvarez was around, Rodri was in peak form and fitness. The Spaniard is the world’s best at defensive positioning and tactical fouling, popping up in just the right spots to shut down opposition counter-attacks and drag someone down to halt momentum.

Of course, Rodri is out for the entire season and City have already felt his absence keenly, to put it politely.

Guardiola has tried his best to stop the bleeding but if he were to field Marmoush as a No.10, he may be forced to play a double-pivot to offset the extra body further forward. Does he have the personnel to do that? Mateo Kovacic has blown hot and cold trying to fill in for Rodri, while John Stones would be the usual candidate to sit next to him, but he’s struggled to stay fit all season.

Another advantage Guardiola had when Alvarez was in Sky Blue was Kyle Walker in his prime.

The England international still had the pace and drive to power up and down the right flank when Phil Foden cut inside to support Alvarez and Haaland, effectively dealing with that entire wing on his own.

But we’ve already seen a huge drop-off from Walker this season. The former Spurs man is fast approaching his 35th birthday, so that shouldn’t come as a huge surprise. But it’s still been keenly felt by City who, as a result, look more vulnerable to balls in behind and less dynamic going forward.

Walker’s drop-off could negate Foden’s ability to move inside and perform a dual-10 role with Marmoush that was so effective for City before they sold Alvarez.

None of this is to say Marmoush wouldn’t represent an exciting signing. Indeed, he might just have all the characteristics to become another City great. But like building any great team, there is a cost-benefit analysis required from Guardiola when finding his best role.