Manchester City are currently preparing to face Newcastle this weekend in an FA Cup quarter-final at the Etihad Stadium. It does appear at this stage of the season that the world champions haven’t discovered their best midfield mix to aid in their pursuit of history. With that in mind, what could be Manchester City’s best midfield make-up that could aid their treble defence at the backend of this season?
There is one constant in Manchester City’s midfield. Rodri is an automatic starter in Pep Guardiola’s midfield. The Spanish international is one of the best players in world football and has earned his guaranteed spot in the City midfield. Who joins him in the centre of the pitch is an interesting discussion point at this stage of the season.
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Against Liverpool during their 1-all draw last weekend it did appear that Rodri needed help in the centre of the pitch. It was no coincidence that the introduction of Mateo Kovacic steadied City’s midfield at Anfield. The Croatian helped City regain control in the face of Liverpool’s second-half pressure last weekend. In a bid to control games, Kovacic could have played his way into a starting role alongside Rodri. As the big games come on the run home Kovacic and Rodri may be required to start together. That duo may give Pep Guardiola’s side the control they crave.
It’s the next part of the equation that becomes interesting. Manchester City are blessed to have Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden and Matheus Nunes who can play in midfield. De Bruyne, Foden and Bernardo are all almost automatic starters in Manchester City’s best lineup. Such is the fluidity they play with and Pep Guardiola demands from his side all three can rotate around the pitch. It is a devastating weapon in City’s arsenal. Their ability to drift all over the pitch may mean that there isn’t a certain third wheel in Manchester City’s midfield.
It will be interesting to see what midfield make-up Pep Guardiola decides to use at the backend of this season. Rodri and Mateo Kovacic with a host of options rotating through central areas appears to be the ideal mix for the world champions going forward. As Manchester City seeks to defend the treble they won last season if they can regain control of games it could take them a long way in their bid to create history.
