Trying to figure out where one Manchester City player fits into the City squad is no easy task | OneFootball

To say that the 25/26 season has been frustrating for Omar Marmoush would be an understatement. The Egyptian international suffered a knee injury on international duty earlier this season which saw him miss a significant chunk of the beginning of this season. All told, Omar Marmoush has made 9 appearances for Manchester City, scoring one goal and adding one assist. He has played a total of 278 minutes in all competitions. Injury has cost Marmoush valuable minutes and he is playing catch-up to work his way into Pep Guardiola’s side on a regular basis.

Looking further ahead, trying to find where Omar Marmoush fits into the Manchester City squad is no easy task. Competition for places in the City starting eleven is fierce and Marmoush seemingly has a battle on his hands to become a regular in the City starting eleven.

Omar Marmoush has a vital role to play for Manchester City but it may not be as a first-team regular.

As Manchester City famously won the treble during the 22/23 season and claimed their fourth consecutive Premier League title at the end of the 23/24 season, Julian Alvarez played a crucial role in Manchester City’s success. Alvarez wasn’t a first-team regular during that period for Pep Guardiola’s side. Erling Haaland was City’s first-choice striker, which he remains to this day. Julian Alvarez played a key role as Haaland’s backup up and his versatility meant that on occasions he could play just behind Haaland when possible. As City won nearly every trophy available during the time that Julian Alvarez was at the club, the World Cup winner played a key role for City.

The role that Julian Alvarez almost perfected seems to be the best role.for Omar Marmoush in the City squad. Barring injury, Marmoush won’t take Erling Haaland’s place in the City starting eleven. But when the opportunity arises when Haaland needs to be rested, Marmoush can and will likely get the minutes he needs.

The other alternative is Marmoush playing with Erling Haaland. But where he fits into Manchester City starting eleven with the Norwegian international is the question. Jeremy Doku has been in superb form to start this season. The role on the left wing and drifting centrally is Doku’s to keep at this stage. Marmoush could drop in behind Haaland, but with Rayan Cherki drifting centrally from the right, and Phil Foden also in that pocket, Marmoush does look to be the odd man out at this stage.

Summary.

I don’t doubt that at some point this season Omar Marmoush will have an important role to play for Pep Guardiola’s side. Unfortunately, a knee injury saw the Egyptian international miss a significant period of this season. That has held him back from staking a claim to be in Manchester City’s starting eleven. The problem is that Marmoush faces a battle to secure a spot in City’s starting lineup.

The challenge is now in front of Marmoush to earn a regular spot in the City lineup. He has attributes that many of his teammates don’t have. At some point they will be needed but what role Marmoush will play for Pep Guardiola’s side isn’t immediately apparent given the scintillating form of some of his teammates.