Manchester City returned to winning ways in the Premier League at the weekend, and fans have talking about one player in particular.
Manchester City beat Newcastle United 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium, giving one of their most impressive performances all season.
Pep Guardiola’s side have struggled for the most part this term.
And many feel worried about the game with Newcastle, given they’ve been in the ascendency over the last couple of months.
But it was a statement win for City, who looked like their dominant old selves.
Nico Gonzalez enjoyed a strong home debut for Manchester City, but the headlines were rather stolen by Omar Marmoush – who has come in for big praise following his hat-trick.
Troy Deeney likens Omar Marmoush to Man City legends Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva
Marmoush was back starting for City against Newcastle having been on the bench for the Champions League clash with Real Madrid.
The Egyptian has looked lively so far since signing from Eintracht Frankfurt, but against Newcastle, he really announced himself.
The 26-year-old scored a hat-trick for City in the first-half, in just 14 minutes.
But it wasn’t just his goalscoring that caught the eye.
Pundit and former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has included Marmoush in his latest Team of the Week – and believes the City number seven is a bit like Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva.
He said: “I have said since he joined Man City he would be a good player, and we’re starting to see now that he’s going to be an exceptional player for Man City.
“He has what Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva have in terms of their link-up play. He is so quick and can glide past people. He can also finish. Three goals in 14 minutes gets you in team of the week.”
What Pep Guardiola said about Marmoush after Newcastle win
Marmoush already looks like really good business by City.
He was a player the team really needed, as much as the focus had been on getting a new midfielder in.
There was a burden on Erling Haaland to score the goals, but it’s already clear Marmoush will now help City in the final third – and not just through scoring goals, but by creating chances as well.
Guardiola spoke about Marmoush after the game on Saturday, and the Spaniard is clearly delighted with his new signing so far.
He said (via premierleague.com): “We knew it, in Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt, he made good numbers. Against Orient, he had three clear chances but couldn’t score. We knew sooner or later when the dynamic of the group was good and the performance was good, he could show what he is.
“Hopefully he can handle the biggest compliments now they’re coming. He’s non-stop.
“He’s a player we missed. His movements in behind, his pace. He’s a guy who likes to attack the space and help us to create.”
Attacking the space does seem to be something Marmoush is great at.
Gary Neville suggested defenders would hate playing against Marmoush given how he is constantly making runs, and certainly, the early signs are that he is going to wreak havoc.
