Manchester City: Carabao reflection

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 09: Josh Brownhill of Bristol City is challenged by Alexander Zinchenko of Manchester City during the Carabao Cup Semi-Final First Leg match between Manchester City and Bristol City at Etihad Stadium on January 9, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 09: Josh Brownhill of Bristol City is challenged by Alexander Zinchenko of Manchester City during the Carabao Cup Semi-Final First Leg match between Manchester City and Bristol City at Etihad Stadium on January 9, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 09: Bernardo Silva of Manchester City evades Marlon Pack of Bristol City during the Carabao Cup Semi-Final First Leg match between Manchester City and Bristol City at Etihad Stadium on January 9, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 09: Bernardo Silva of Manchester City evades Marlon Pack of Bristol City during the Carabao Cup Semi-Final First Leg match between Manchester City and Bristol City at Etihad Stadium on January 9, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /

Versatility Is Key:

In a long season, and when involved in multiple competitions, injuries will occur. It is important to have players who can take on other roles and adapt. Currently, the first name on everyone’s lips would be Fabian Delph.

The midfield player, turned left back has put in some great performances in the role. But it would be a mistake to think he was the only one, and the fact there are so many certainly helps Guardiola.

Danilo, although starting on the right can switch to the middle of the park or, as in the last two games, to the left to accommodate Kyle Walkers introduction to the game. Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane can switch wings throughout the game, but Raheem can also drift inside and play the false number 9 role well.

Next: Manchester City: Carabao Comeback

The player, who tends to go unrecognised though, certainly in this game is Bernardo Silva. During this game in particular he started on the right, before switching to the left. At another point in the game he was the false number 9 before falling further back in the field to cover for Yaya, who went off and was replaced by Sergio Aguero.