5 Things We Learned: City - West Ham/Leeds

It has been an incredibly busy run of games for City and the MCG team is feeling it too. Now in the thick of the most crucial games of our season, Nico took some time to share his thoughts for the latest installment of our ’5 Things We Learned’ series, specifically focused on our recent fixtures against West Ham and Leeds. 

(+) Phil Foden is back, with potentially a new role

Phil Foden has finally returned and what do you know, he found himself back on the scoresheet with a majestic volley against West Ham. Despite limited appearances this season, that strike made him our second highest scorer in the Premier League with 10 goals. While he looked to continue his form against Leeds United, our boy had a somewhat quiet performance, which we think was due to a multitude of factors. Phil was played as a left-winger, which usually results in him being isolated from the rest of the team. Many City fans would agree that he is much more effective on the right-wing, however, we noticed him drifting into more central positions. We also saw glimpses of this against Sheffield United in the FA Cup semi-finals. While his listed position was definitely at the wing against Leeds, he undoubtedly looked his best in more central positions. This raises the question: when will it be time for Foden to make his long-awaited transition to the midfield? Time will tell.

(+) We Have Two Reliable Goalkeepers

City having depth in numbers is a myth. While we have versatile players that can play in multiple roles, we simply do not have the sheer squad size that may have fit the narrative in years past. However, City fans can rest assured knowing our goalkeeping options are all class. Surprisingly enough, Ederson was dropped against West Ham, with Guardiola citing rest as the main factor. However, our Brazilian #1’s absence was not an issue. Stefan Ortega stepped in for his Premier League debut, kept a clean sheet, and dazzled with a handful of key saves. We are blessed to have not one, but two reliable goalkeeper options at the club. The best goalkeepers want to start games and it’s especially hard to keep multiple quality keepers to rely on. However, that is not a problem for us.

(+) Do Not let Gundogan Leave This Summer

We wrote about this as our first MCG article but if it’s not obvious, we strongly feel that we have to extend Ilkay Gundogan. Our captain once again proved why he deserves a contract extension, putting in an unreal Man of the Match performance against Leeds United and scoring two goals in the process. Despite normally functioning as an box-to-box and attacking-minded central midfielder, Gundogan stepped into Rodri’s position/role, giving Rodri a well-deserved and much-needed opportunity to rest his weary legs. Gundo’s versatility, leadership, and overall ability still makes him a valuable part of the squad. With reports stating player and club reps disagreeing on the proposed length of the contract extension, our position is clear: give him what he wants. 

(+) Julian Alvarez is not a Midfielder

Alvarez is full of energy, is a relentless presser, and whenever he receives the ball, his first instinct is to try and score. While it is a gift to have such an energetic and goal hungry player, playing this type of player in the wrong position can be a tactical liability. In my opinion, Juli isn’t suited to playing the traditional midfield #10 role. When Alvarez is playing in the midfield, we tend to lack control of the match. He also lacks the elite technical and playmaking ability to play as a midfielder in Guardiola’s system. This is no surprise considering Alvarez is a striker and approaches the game with a striker’s mentality/instinct. With Haaland undroppable, this raises the question of where does Julian fit? I’d like to see Alvarez as an inverted left-winger. While Jack Grealish is the starter in that position, Alvarez can offer explosiveness and directness off the bench or in replace of Grealish when he needs to rest.   

(+) Increasing Worries about Kalvin Phillips

If it’s not blatantly obvious, Rodri is exhausted and needs to rest. The only way we can afford to let Rodri rest, arguably our most important player, is by ensuring we have a capable back-up to play in his stead. That’s exactly why we shelled out £42 million on Kalvin Phillips, yet it has become clear that Guardiola does not trust him at all. In fact, only two players have less minutes than Phillips in all competitions: Maximo Perrone who joined mid-season, and Josh Wilson-Esbrand who’s been on loan this season. Guardiola appears to prefer Ilkay Gundogan, who’s not a traditional 6, John Stones, a centerback by trade, and even Rico Lewis, our 18-year old academy graduate and right back by trade. City fans will know that most new signings need at least a full season to acclimate to Pep’s demands. With the season nearly over and Kalvin still not trusted, is the writing on the wall for our #4? Or will he come good next season? A lot of riding on this man’s ability to turn it around and it’s something we’ll be keeping a close eye on. 

Written by: Nico

Edited by: Sheikh