Ian Wright has said that as things stand, Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic and Jeremy Doku could be a “problem” for Manchester City.
The well-known pundit told The Kelly and Wrighty Show on Premier League Productions (13/11/2023) via Optus Sport after City’s 4-4 draw against Chelsea on Sunday.
Ian Wright says Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic and Jeremy Doku are a “problem” for Manchester City
Just recently, Pep Guardiola revealed that he was “really pleased” with the Croatian defender’s displays since having signed for the Sky Blues.
The Catalan also praised Kovacic for how “amazing” he has been this season while being surprised by how “clever” Doku is.
But Ian Wright believes Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic and Jeremy Doku have yet to find their feet as a trio on the left-hand side for Manchester City, which has not been ideal for the side.
“The little problem they’ve got at the moment is now that they’ve got [Josko] Gvardiol on the left with [Mateo] Kovacic and [Jeremy] Doku.”
“They’re settling in, I think they’re settling in and I remember I was watching Wolves [against Manchester City], and Wolves had a lot of play diagonally over there because they’re not quite on the levels of everybody else in what they do to understand”, Wright said on The Kelly and Wrighty Show.
“And once the left side starts to really understand what’s going on, then City will click into a proper gear and that’s just me, Kells [Kelly Cates]. I think that might be a little bit of oil in the water but other than that, I think they’re still the ones [to beat], they’re still the ones, they weren’t great and they still scored four goals [against Chelsea].”
The trio have started well so far
Ian Wright is correct about emphasising that Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic and Jeremy Doku are still settling in at Manchester City and getting accustomed to Pep Guardiola’s system.
But the reality is that the trio have impressed so far and City’s struggles against Chelsea and in certain other games this campaign are unrelated to them.
For instance, it was clear to see how Rodri’s absence through suspension hampered the treble-winners in their defeats against the likes of Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup as well as Wolves and Arsenal in the Premier League.
Similarly, the long-term injury sustained by Kevin De Bruyne has meant Pep Guardiola and Co. have not been as much of a threat going forward.
Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic and Jeremy Doku have all looked like natural fits at Manchester City, individually and while playing in tandem as well.
