Just a few weeks into the historic treble, Manchester City are already reshuffling for next season. The Champions had recently finished their celebrations of winning the Champions League, Premier League, and the FA Cup. Whilst they created history to win the continental treble second only to their neighbours Manchester United, they are off to continue their glory run for next season.
Man City have already signed Mateo Kovacic for a £25 million deal which is coupled with an add-on of £5 million and are on the verge of signing one more Croatian international in Josko Gvardiol. The RB Leipzig defender has been likened by Guardiola and may soon be announced as Man City’s new wall.
Manchester City were also chasing Declan Rice but has finally given up the run after Arsneal’s record bid of over £100 million. The Gunners look only team to battle Man City for the title next season and in order to fend them off, Guardiola may yet again go with a 3-2-4-1 formation which worked wonders for him after the world cup.
Gvardiol – Dias – Akanji
Pep Guardiola is on the verge of losing Kyle Walker to Bayern Munich and has already found a perfect substitute in the left-flank already. If Josko Gvardiol is to be signed by Manchester City, the left-footed defender will ideally play in the left of a back three where Nathan Ake used to perform. The centre position will be held by Ruben Dias who is likely to take on the armband from Ilkay Gundogan.
The right side of a back three would ideally have been John Stones’ but the defender has made his spot as a defensive midfielder alongside Rodri which leaves the position open for Manuel Akanji to play with. Rico Lewis who has been admired by Guardiola a lot can also be seen to replace Akanji at times.
Rodri – Stones
The arrival of Stones as a defensive midfielder worked wonders for Guardiola. When his team was looking ineffective and incapable of chasing Arsenal for the title, a change in position for Stones proved to be the solution to every problem. Stones, if he plays as a defender can make way for his international teammate Kalvin Philips who has been a ghost in the pitch for Manchester City or even Kovacic being dropped back to fulfil the role.
Meanwhile, Rodri continues to impress in the Premier League and is unarguably the best defensive midfielder. He will be untouched by Pep who will let him continue the good work.
Grealish – Kovacic – De Bruyne – Mahrez
The front-four midfield position has a lot of competition and is a healthy headache for the Spaniard manager. However, Grealish will be a sure starter after cementing his place in the left flank courtesy of his brilliance with the feet.
Next to him, we may see the newly signed Kovacic playing as an attacking midfielder. If Kovacic in games is played as a defensive midfielder, we may see his spot being taken by the talented Phil Foden who surely doesn’t deserve to be benched.
In the right flank would be Riyad Mahrez who has done nothing wrong to lose his place with the guy next to him being the untouchable Kevin De Bruyne who still continues to be the glue of Pep’s playing XI.
Haaland
No guesses there!!! The beast will lead Manchester City upfront and chase further records; trying to break his own set in the first season at Manchester. At times Erling Haaland may be given rest due to the busy schedule and can be replaced by Julain Alvarez who is as capable as any.
