Manchester City profiles: Proven playmaker Nolito has ability to shine

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The formidable showing in 2014-2015 is what pushed new City boss Pep Guardiola to make Nolito one of his first signings in the summer transfer window. Nolito was a familiar player, one who was in the Barca ranks during Pep’s tenure there. However, he was not widely used previously under Pep, and many wondered if he had the quality to perform in the highly physical Premier League.

Nolito joined the club towards the end of June for a fee of around £13.8 million, and many City fans, myself included, wondered where he fit into the team. At the advanced age of 29, he was too old to develop. The question was whether he could contribute to such a talented City squad, and could he do so right away.

Brushing everyone’s doubts aside, Nolito has repaid Pep’s confidence in him, scoring so far four goals and assisting twice in just eight appearances for the club. He typically plays at the left forward or left wing position, acting as a creator while also offering up a solid goal threat coming in behind the striker.

"“[I]f Aguero is lightning, then Nolito is certainly thunder — loud, certain and not far behind.”"

While he lacks pace compared to the likes of Sterling and Leroy Sane (who doesn’t?), Nolito brings an excellent knack for positioning and creating chances in the final third of the field. He is also a strong finisher, who, in my opinion, has only fluffed one gimme so far this season, which I can’t say of very many players.

His consistency and calm demeanor on the pitch have made him invaluable to City thus far. To make a comparison, if Aguero is lightning, then Nolito is certainly thunder — loud, certain and not far behind.

He undoubtedly has the ability to play striker, and would be my pick to start over “Nacho” in a Champions League match if Aguero is not healthy.