Does Manchester City’s midfield need an injection of energy? | OneFootball

Manchester City had to fight their way to a 2-1 win over Wolves at Molineux yesterday. Although the champions dominated the game for the majority of the contest they were frustrated by Gary O’Neill’s side for large portions of yesterday’s match. City controlled the game for the most part besides two counter attacks from Wolves in the first half. But coming out of the game does Manchester City’s midfield need an energetic player to help on both sides of the ball?

First of all it must be said that Manchester City’s midfield performed well yesterday. The statistics from the game show this. Pep Guardiola’s side controlled the game and outside of three dangerous counter attacks from the hosts City were in control of the game over the course of the full 90 minutes. Ilkay Gundogan, Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva dictated affairs from midfield. But as the game wore on the champions struggled to breakdown the hosts. The way teams defend against Manchester City means this is becoming a common occurrence. It does pose a question could City use a more energetic presence in midfield? They do have a player who can provide it.

Matheus Nunes came off the bench at Molineux and made an impact. It was his effort to track back and win the ball back late that led to the series of corners that eventually saw John Stones head home City’s winner. It was a remarkable piece of play from the Portuguese international. That piece of play showed what he could add to Manchester City’s midfield. Perhaps it isn’t a move Pep Guardiola can make for every game, but there may be a case for Nunes to start more often. Especially in Rodri’s absence.

The counter to this argument is that in games like yesterday’s the ability of Nunes to drive forward from midfield may play into City’s opponents hands. Nunes can be sloppy in possession on occasions which does give City’s opponents the chance to counter against them. That’s the only catch or counter argument to Matheus Nunes starting more often.

At times it does appear that Manchester City do a more energetic player in midfield. But the champions may have to sacrifice some control of games to make this happen. Nunes does bring energy to Manchester City’s midfield but starting him does come with a risk. But that is the conundrum that Pep Guardiola does have to deal with before every game Manchester City play.