Eyes were on Nico Gonzalez as he made his Premier League debut for Manchester City against Newcastle United on Saturday, with Pep Guardiola giving him the nod in midfield.
Manchester City signed Nico Gonzalez, 23, in a £50million deal from Porto on deadline day earlier in February.
The Spaniard came off the bench during the FA Cup win over Leyton Orient last week and got his first start, and Premier League debut, in Saturday’s clash against Newcastle United.
In the end, Man City thumped Newcastle 4-0 thanks to a first half hat-trick from Omar Marmoush and a late additional goal from substitute James McAtee. But Nico played a key role in midfield and fans certainly noticed.
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Man City fans in awe of Nico Gonzalez after Newcastle United
Needless to say, City fans were in awe of Nico on his full Premier League debut, with a horde of supporters jumping on social media to sing their praises of the midfielder.
“This is the most fluid we have been all season,” said one fan. “Nico is having a great game in the heart of the midfield just doing the simple things no overstating them.”
Another added on Nico: “Watched him very closely, he’s directed players where to be and where to go. Got a certain aura and presence about him.”
A similar comment read: “Nico Gonzalez seems like a player that understands the game,” whilst other fans described Nico as “mega” and as the “glue to this midfield”.
“He is giving a much needed stability to that midfield,” said another City fan. “He has been ace today.” Meanwhile, others wrote that Nico has “changed our lives” and given them their team back.
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Nico Gonzalez stats for Man City vs Newcastle United
With Rodri injured, City need a general in midfield to break down attacks before they really get going, to intercept moves and generally keep the game ticking along in City’s favour.
And Nico did that against Newcastle. He looked composed throughout and never shy in possession, with some strong interventions throughout helping to keep Newcastle from ever really threatening from open play.
| Statistic | Touches | Passes | Defensive actions | Tackles | Duels won |
| Nico Gonzalez v Newcastle | 112 (1st) | 98/101 (1st) | 4 | 3 | 5(4) |
For Nico, the task now is to do all he can to keep his place in the XI and impress Guardiola before Rodri returns, and inevitably resumes his places in the XI.
Up next for City is a trip to the Bernabeu to face Real Madrid on Wednesday night.
