Manchester City FC 2017/18 Player Preview – Sergio Aguero
By Kee Min
Despite the rumored swap with Alexis Sanchez, Sergio Aguero is likely going to spearhead Man City’s attack once again.
The 2016-17 season was monumental for Sergio Aguero in many ways. First, this marked a third consecutive season where the Argentine scored twenty or more goals. Only other player to do so in the same time frame is Harry Kane. Second, and more importantly, this was the first time Aguero stayed healthy in the entire season since joining City. Perhaps the suspensions allowed him to stay fresh. Perhaps it was luck. Nonetheless, it was definitely encouraging to see him on the pitch every game.
In the 2017-18 season, Aguero will have even more chance to rest his body. Despite only being 29, his body already has tons of mileage on it. He started playing first team football in Europe since 18. Before his injury-free season, the Argentine missed 54 games in just four seasons. He has yet to play the full 38-games and frankly, he should not be expected to. The emergence of Gabriel Jesus last season provides Guardiola with a nice insurance policy.
Now onto the tactics, and how he will fit the team next year. Guardiola is famous for having strict rules and structures for players. Infamously, he once drew a box out of chalk on the left wing side of the training pitch for Raheem Sterling to stand on. That is how much he focuses on his system. Where his players are and how they play beautifully coexists with one another. And through this system, Guardiola is allowing Kevin de Bruyne and David Silva to play together – and flourish.
Perhaps the best 10s in the league, de Bruyne and Silva were meant to clash. They had two different skill set while playing the same position. Instead of negatively affecting one, Pep created synergy between them. Known as the false 8s, these two typical live in the channel in front of the defensive midfielder. As they receive the ball, the whole field opens up thanks to the wide wingers. They then use their creativity and skill set to pick apart the defense.
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Guardiola once famously said, “my job is to take you up to the last third, your job is to finish it.” This obviously applies to the front three. Sterling and Leroy Sane were both under strict instruction regarding positioning. However, once receiving the ball, they had the total freedom to do what they please. With this longer leash, the duo was able to show off their talents. Sterling and Sane terrorized fullbacks with their elusive dribbling and pace, leading to their best seasons ever.
So what do Kevin de Bruyne, David Silva, Raheem Sterling, and Leroy Sane have to do with Aguero? Well, their goals are all the same – get the ball to him.
His famous formation – 4-3-3 – exactly applies what I laid out. Two 8s, two wingers, striker as the focal point.
The majority of Aguero’s open field goal came from the wings. Wheather it’s a low cross where Aguero finished it off or through ball from the side, the striker benefited heavily from the wingers.
Whether it would be 4-3-3- or 3-4-2-1, Aguero always featured as the lone striker. However, he is also tactically flexible. When Guardiola brought out the 4-1-2-1-2 side against West Ham in January, Sterling joined the Argentine as a striker.
While the formation has no wingers, Sterling and Aguero certainly did their part. They often drifted wide, still providing the width Guardiola craves so much. Aguero played phenomenally both ways. He assisted Sterling for a goal while making the second most tackle in the game.
Defending is a team effort, and the team keeps its shape while pressing. Aguero will have to relentlessly run around and try to get possession back. In doing so, the Argentine will also create more chances for himself at an opportune location.
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Overall, I expect another successful season for Aguero. While he may not put up the same sheer number, he will be more lethal and effective with a fresh body.