Jamie Carragher has said that Josko Gvardiol has looked quite “awkward” while playing as a makeshift left-back this season.
On The Overlap’s Stick To Football show, the popular pundit zeroed into Gvardiol’s early days at the Etihad Stadium.
The Croatian defender was culpable for Leon Bailey’s winner against Aston Villa, as he got turned far too easily, before a deflected strike led to his side’s third Premier League loss of the season.
Jamie Carragher says “awkward” Josko Gvardiol has struggled for Manchester City so far
Pat Nevin believes it is high-time that the £200,000-a-week man is no longer deployed as a left-back, as he especially felt Bailey caused him “a lot of trouble” on Wednesday night.
Steve Nicol has expressed the fact that he is not surprised to see the 21-year-old failing to thrive, considering he has been playing out of position in sky blue.
Jamie Carragher has also chimed in regarding Manchester City youngster Josko Gvardiol and his thoughts of him as a left-back.
“I also think the lad they’ve brought in, even though I think he’s going to be a good player, I just think he’s been okay, [Josko] Gvardiol. I think he’s a centre-back playing left-back, he looks a bit awkward dragged out wide”, he said on The Overlap’s Stick To Football show.
Nathan Ake should start against Luton Town
It is hard to disagree with Jamie Carragher as Josko Gvardiol has not had the best of times as a left-back.
With Manchester City trailing Arsenal by six points at the top of the table, their upcoming encounter against Luton Town has become somewhat of a must-win game.
Perhaps it may be the time to put Josko Gvardiol out of the spotlight and back a more seasoned left-back in Nathan Ake to do the business.
The Dutchman adapted to his newfound role in terrific fashion last season and has more of an understanding with Manchester City’s defenders due to having been at the club since 2020.
The former Chelsea centre-back is also superior to Josko Gvardiol when it comes to defending in wide areas, which makes him a better fit for the position and strengthens the argument for why he should start at Kenilworth Road.
