It’s time for an England international to play a new role for Manchester City | OneFootball

There were some positives to take from Manchester City’s 2-nil defeat against Liverpool at Anfield yesterday. The character shown by Pep Guardiola’s side after Liverpool’s early onslaught was admirable. Although the world champions ultimately couldn’t land a blow on Arne Slot’s side. Nathan Ake’s performance was another positive for Manchester City. Another one was the brief cameo from Jack Grealish in midfield. Going forward playing the England international in midfield may be a move for Pep Guardiola to explore.

Jack Grealish played the final 10 minutes at Anfield yesterday. He took up a role in midfield rather than on the left wing. Although he didn’t supply any moments of note there is merit to the idea of Grealish stepping into midfield. Manchester City need control in midfield. It’s been lacking over their seven-game winless run. The England international could provide that in a new role.

Also, the creativity Grealish provides may be a new weapon for Pep Guardiola to unleash. The England international, when at his best, is a crucial component of City’s play. I’ve always felt that Manchester City are a better team with Grealish in the starting lineup. With him in midfield, it may give them another option to open up their opponents. Moving Grealish into midfield will also provide support to Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan who appear fatigued from such a heavy workload.

Speaking after yesterday’s defeat to Liverpool Pep Guardiola did float the idea of Grealish playing in midfield. He believes the vision of Grealish and the control of the game he provides may help his team. Speaking on Grealish Guardiola said: “Jack in the middle can help us to have that control and the vision in the final third. As much as we can win games, we will be a better team.”

Manchester City will need to come up with solutions to end their winless run. Continuing to do more of the same just isn’t working at the moment. As players regain fitness that should help the world champions. But perhaps moving a player like Jack Grealish into midfield will also help City’s cause. There is merit to the idea so it will be interesting to see if Grealish does line up in midfield against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night at the Etihad.