Why Man City need ‘a Busquets’

Will Pep add a defensive midfielder?

In Pep Guardiola’s first nine months in charge of Manchester City, he has tried to find a perfect possession system. At times, his side have looked a couple of tweaks away from getting there.

They have created numerous openings and been exciting to watch at times, but a combination of wasteful finishing and vulnerability to breakaways has hindered them. The former problem is not helped by the long-term injury to Gabriel Jesus, who had looked athletic and clinical in the early games of his City career. The latter however, may be solved in part by the arrival of one disciplined holding midfielder.

Pep Guardiola has recently started Yaya Toure as the deepest midfielder, looking to utilize the Ivorian’s long-range passing ability. The problem with Toure is that despite physical prowess, he is easily disposed and does not sprint back when he loses the ball. His lack of defensive diligence means the gap between the two centre-backs, already wide for attacking reasons, is not filled.

Guardiola likes positive, technical players throughout the pitch but, if City’s defensive woes are to end, he needs to accommodate a more cynical footballer. City need somebody that stays behind the ball until the opposition reach the defence third, then closes down quickly with power and aggression.

This would allow full-backs to help sustain pressure in midfield and centre-backs to carry the ball forward, knowing there is a player moping up next to them. One player in that mould would add the defensive balance required.

With a classic defensive midfielder, the other 10 players will thrive to a greater extent. Without one, the same defensive deficiencies will hold City back in their pursuit of major honours.