Surely now it’s time for Pep Guardiola to turn to youth as it can’t get any worse | OneFootball

As Manchester City went down to a 4-2 defeat last night to PSG you were left wondering where Pep Guardiola can turn next. A familiar pattern emerged during last night’s match. City’s midfield is now too old to compete with the better teams whether that’s in England or in Europe. That stood out last night as Joao Neves and company ran all over the top of City’s midfield. Coming out of the game you do get the sense that perhaps now it is time to turn to youth to give Pep Guardiola’s side the energy and legs they need.

You only had to watch last night’s game to see that Manchester City can’t enter the second half of the season using what they have. Signing another midfielder and a full-back appear to be a must. But for now, those signings won’t be happening in time for City’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Chelsea. It doesn’t appear likely that Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan or Kevin De Bruyne are capable of keeping up with Chelsea’s younger and more athletic midfield. Maybe Saturday’s fixture at the Etihad is the time for Nico O’Reilly, James McAtee or Jacob Wright to start.

I’m not advocating starting all three of the players named in midfield together. But O’Reilly, alongside Kovacic, for example, may aid City’s cause. Nico O’Reilly will bring size, athleticism and energy to City’s midfield. That has been sorely lacking all season. Even at the back perhaps it’s time to start Vitor Reis or Abdukodir Khusanov alongside Manuel Akanji at the Etihad. If anything, it will offer something different, and the brashness and energy of youth could aid the City’s cause.

It does appear to be time for Pep Guardiola to turn to youth. The issues with Manchester City’s squad and play is clear to see and have been for sometime now. It was ruthlessly exposed by PSG last night. But there may be a solution already in Pep Guardiola’s squad. If nothing else by turning to youth Manchester City may discover a player or two which will aid in their upcoming rebuild.