Is it time for Manchester City to turn to youth to fix their ailing midfield? | OneFootball

During their 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa at Villa Park, it was clear to see that the midfield of Manchester City lacked speed and athleticism. Unai Emery’s side was too quick for Pep Guardiola’s men. Whether it was across midfield through Youri Tielemans or with Morgan Rogers running riot, Manchester City’s midfield couldn’t keep up. That has been a common problem across the poor run from Manchester City over the past 12 matches.

For now, the solution to City’s midfield woes must come from within. The January transfer window is still just over a week away from opening. So until that opens Pep Guardiola must use what he has at his disposal. With this in mind, perhaps it’s time for Nico O’Reilly or Jacob Wright to be given more of an opportunity. Each player appears to have a bright future ahead of them but now may be the perfect time for them to be allowed to impress.

In terms of the athleticism Manchester City’s midfield currently lacks Nico O’Reilly could help on that front. He has the size and raw athletic attributes to offer something different to City’s midfield. Although he is young, O’Reilly has shown that he has the potential to make it at the top level. Maybe it’s time to take the handbrake off of him and start him against Everton on Boxing Day.

Jacob Wright is a different type of player from Nico O’Reilly. He is technically sound and does have a good range of passing. Wright is strong in a challenge and also can drift forward when required. He would also offer something different to what Pep Guardiola’s side currently has.

Perhaps it’s time for Pep Guardiola to turn to youth just for something different. Nico O’Reilly and Jacob Wright may just bring the brashness of youth to City’s midfield if nothing else. We know what we are going to get from Manchester City’s senior players but maybe playing them alongside O’Reilly or Wright may just change something up in City’s engine room. At this point Pep Guardiola’s side needs something to snap them out of their recent funk.