Manchester City have found the ideal midfielder for Pep Guardiola’s system | OneFootball

Manchester City have lacked a proper holding midfielder ever since Rodri went down with an ACL injury in September. The loss of Rodri, you could argue, was almost a crippling blow to City’s season. Couple that with the endless cycle of injuries and fitness issues, and you can see why Pep Guardiola’s side has struggled this season. There isn’t a simple fix to Manchester City’s injury and fitness situation. But in regards to finding a proper holding midfielder, Manchester City did sign Nico from FC Porto on deadline day. Based on what he showed against Newcastle at the Etihad during City’s 4-nil win it appears that City have added the perfect midfielder for Pep Guardiola’s system.

As Manchester City sought to sign a midfielder in January you did get the sense that they were looking for a particular type of midfielder. A versatile midfielder who could play in a variety of roles was a must. Pep Guardiola’s side also needed a player who could play in Rodri’s role now and someone who could play alongside him when he returns from injury. Nico looks to be that player. His performance against Eddie Howe’s side showed exactly what he brings to City’s midfield.

Nico gave the Manchester City midfield balance and leadership. He shielded the back four with aplomb and was superb on the ball. His distribution was excellent and it gave Pep Guardiola’s side the control and poise in midfield they have lacked since September. It doesn’t appear to be a coincidence that Manchester City played arguably their best game of the season with a player like Nico in the heart of City’s midfield.

Pep Guardiola compares Nico to Rodri which is the highest compliment he can pay.

Speaking after his team’s win Pep Guardiola compared Nico’s play to that of Rodri. Especially his size as a midfielder. The City manager added that Nico’s ability to win duels was crucial to his team’s win. He told the media: “He is like a mini-Rodri. It is a big compliment but in terms of the presence, he is big, in the duels. I think the presence of Nico help us a lot because if there are 10 balls in 50-50 and he wins seven, you can run. If he loses seven, they will run. His presence with long balls and [going] backwards where Rodri was really important.”

Manchester City look to have signed the perfect midfielder for Pep Guardiola’s system in Nico. Based on his performance against Newcastle he’s added exactly what Pep Guardiola was hoping for in a midfielder. The challenges come thick and fact for Nico with Real Madrid and Liverpool to come next. But if Nico plays as he did against Newcastle in those two games all of a sudden Manchester City do look capable of picking up two crucial victories.