Pat Nevin has suggested that Josko Gvardiol, Nathan Ake and Sergio Gomez have all struggled to perform at left-back under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
The 60-year-old made the comment when speaking to the BBC.
So, what was said about Josko Gvardiol, Nathan Ake and Sergio Gomez at Manchester City? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, the BBC Sport pundit claimed that the Manchester City trio have failed to adapt to the left-back role under Guardiola, which usually requires them to act as inverted full-backs in midfield.
Nevin said: “I never budged from my belief last season that Manchester City would win the league, even when Arsenal had a considerable cushion at the top.
“There was just too much quality, they had been there, done that and seen it all before, which Mikel Arteta’s side hadn’t. They had the goal machine Erling Haaland and they had quality back up in every position.
“This time, even though they are only two points behind Arsenal and Spurs, I am less bullish about Guardiola’s side. With Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri out, they look far from invincible and Pep’s penchant for playing players in unexpected positions is not now always his genius, it is sometimes plain necessity. At left-back it may change from Gvardiol, Gomez or Ake week to week. All are fine players, but none is a true left full-back and it shows.”
It is funny that Nevin mentioned this, as we believe Guardiola has noticed it too.
Gvardiol, Ake & Gomez struggles in left-back role could see Guardiola make a signing at Manchester City
We recently opined here on Manchester City News that Guardiola must be looking to bring a new left-back to the Etihad Stadium, as there have been several links.
As shown in this article here, the likes of Valentin Barco, Alejandro Balde, Alphonso Davies, Federico Dimarco and Ian Maatsen have all been linked with moves to Manchester City.
Of course, transfer links should be taken with a pinch of salt, but when as many as five players – all of whom operate in the same position – are being suggested as targets, it could mean Guardiola is planning to buy a more natural left-back in 2024.
