At Manchester City, several players are tested out in a wide array of positions.
As a result, Pep Guardiola only plays a select few players in their natural positions at all times.
For instance, Erling Haaland has never been tasked to play anywhere else apart from up front during his time at City.
Similarly, Ruben Dias has also always played as a centre-back during his spell at the Etihad Stadium.
Former Manchester City wideman Riyad Mahrez also rarely strayed away from his position on the right-wing.
But largely, players who either play for or sign for the Sky Blues should expect to be moved around the pitch as per Pep Guardiola’s tactical plan.
Ultimately, the players in question are mere pieces as a part of Guardiola’s tactical chessboard.
Richards names the position Man City superstar looks much more comfortable in
Jack Grealish is another player who has mostly played on the left-wing during his three-year spell at Manchester City.
On the odd occasion, Grealish has been tasked to play more centrally — such as against in City’s 2-0 win against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup in the 2022/2023 season.
But largely, much like during his time at Aston Villa, the £300,000-a-week man has been viewed as a wide player by Pep Guardiola.
The 28-year-old’s time at City has been a mixed bag — partly due to his excellence in the treble-winning season coupled with struggles to adapt and injuries holding him back.
But Lee Carsley lauded Grealish for his performance as an attacking midfielder in England’s latest 2-0 win against the Republic of Ireland.
Micah Richards, who played with Grealish at Aston Villa feels his former teammmate looks far more comfortable as a number 10.
Richards said on The Rest Is Football podcast: “Well, Jack’s an extraordinary player, we know that. I think sometimes, it’s been difficult because when you’re at a club like Man City and it’s full of stars and you’re not getting goals and assists, I take your [Gary Lineker] point about [Grealish] on the wing as well. Maybe, he’s quick enough but you know, like you said, that burst to get away, I think he feels more in the game as the number 10.”
“And he doesn’t just stay in the number 10. Like I said, he comes up, gets the ball deep and the one thing I would say about Jack Grealish is he’s not afraid to lose the ball.”
Jack Grealish cannot play as a number 10 at Man City due to two players
Some would question why Pep Guardiola has not fielded Grealish as a number 10 more often.
However, with both Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden at his disposal, the Catalan’s argument could be that he arguably has two of the best players in the Premier League in the same position as the three-time Premier League winner.
De Bruyne has proven for years that he is one of the best attacking midfielders the game has ever seen while Foden showcased last season that when handed the opportunity to play behind the striker, he can be a world-class player.
With there being overwhelming evidence to suggest Pep Guardiola has every right to favour the City duo in the number 10 position, he has every reason to persist with Grealish out wide.
However, Pep Guardiola is as open-minded as one gets as a manager in terms of their view on tactics and player profiling.
It would not be a surprise if Guardiola decided to trial Grealish out in a number 10 role but it seems unlikely based on how he has utilised the Englishman under his tenure.
