What Manchester City need this summer was on full display against Southampton | OneFootball

There was a lack of creativity that stood out throughout the Manchester City midfield yesterday during their nil-all draw with Southampton. Pep Guardiola’s side were kept out by a determined defensive performance by Southampton. The hosts had no intention of playing to win yesterday’s match, they sat deep in the hope of picking up a point. They got that point come the final whistle yesterday. But looking at Manchester City’s play yesterday, their biggest need this summer stood out in their play.

Manchester City simply must add creativity to their midfield this summer.

There was a lack of cutting edge to Manchester City’s play yesterday. Especially in the first of yesterday’s nil-all draw. At times, there was an over-reliance on Kevin De Bruyne to provide a match-winning moment from City’s players. Players such as James McAtee and Phil Foden couldn’t get into the game in the first half. Foden lifted in the second half before he was substituted. McAtee was replaced by Jeremy Doku at halftime of yesterday’s match. Mateo Kovacic did get forward on occasions, but often his shots were blocked, or he was crowded out. Savinho came on as a second-half substitute but couldn’t affect the game. The introduction of Omar Marmoush came too late, but he did offer something late on. But watching the Manchester City performance, their biggest summer need did stand out at St. Mary’s.

Pep Guardiola’s squad needs more creativity in midfield.

If Pep Guardiola is going to persist with the 4-2-2-2 formation we have seen recently, then Manchester City must add more creativity to their midfield. They are screaming out for players who can unlock a packed defence. On paper, they appear to have them. Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, James McAtee, Jeremy Doku and Savinho should have been able to provide the creativity City needed yesterday. But it wasn’t to be. But looking ahead to next season, De Bruyne won’t be there. Phil Foden will hopefully return to his best. James McAtee may also leave Manchester City this summer. Doku and Savinho do need to develop more consistency in their games.

So Manchester City are in desperate need of creativity in midfield. The Athletic reports that Morgan Gibbs-White could add that. He could help unpick a defence. Xavi Simons of RB Leipzig could also do that. There are other options that Manchester City could pursue this summer. But watching yesterday, you feel that they simply have to add more creativity to their midfield this summer. They will face low defensive blocks like the one they faced against Southampton throughout next season. Pep Guardiola’s squad needs a player who can unlock a defence. It’s a need that must be addressed this summer. That stood out come the final whistle yesterday.