How Manchester City Would Lineup With A Three Man Backline Next Season
Manchester City started the summer off with a bang, completing two very important transfers in a very short period of time. Attacker Bernardo Silva arrived from AS Monaco and goalkeeper Ederson Moraes was brought in from SL Benfica, making manager Pep Guardiola’s intentions clear.
However, since then, it has been a bit of lull around the Etihad stadium. No other signing has been made since then and this will be slightly worrisome for the fans, as the Citizens are severely short-handed in the full-back department.
Guardiola will be keen on stamping his authority on the squad this season and it wouldn’t be surprising to see some new tactics being employed by the former Bayern Munich and Barcelona manager in the coming season. He tried a three-man backline last time around, but it backfired.
However, if it so happens that he gets his hands on the rest of his defensive targets in the summer, here is how the Manchester City line-up could look like playing in a three-man defence.
Formation: 3-4-3
Manager: Pep Guardiola
Ederson Moraes (GK)
The Benfica man arrived last month for a world-record £35million fee paid for a goalkeeper and is expected to walk right into the starting XI ahead of last summer signing Claudio Bravo.
John Stones (CB)
The England international did not have the best of the seasons, following his big money move from Everton last summer. However, Guardiola rates him very highly and a better campaign can be expected this time around.
Vincent Kompany (CB)
The captain of the team returned to full fitness late in the season and made a huge difference to the team. Him being fit will be extremely crucial for the Citizens.
Virgil van Dijk (CB)
The Southampton man has been eyed by Guardiola, but there hasn’t been any concrete interest. He will fit into the mould of ball-playing defenders that the manager craves for and will complete the three-man defence, if signed.
Kyle Walker (RWB)
City have been in negotiations with Tottenham Hotspur for quite some time now, in order to sign Kyle Walker. One of the best in the business in his position, the England international will be the natural choice for the right wing-back role.
Ilkay Gundogan (CM)
The Germany international arrived last summer, but a serious injury early into the season meant he did not feature from then on. Now that he will be fit and raring to go, Gundogan will take up one of the midfield slots, ahead of Fernandinho and Yaya Toure.
Kevin De Bruyne (CM)
The Belgian international was City’s best player of the season and that has been the case for two years now. Having played in a slightly deeper role under Guardiola last time around, he could be expected to partner Gundogan in the middle of the park and be the more adventurous one among the two, with David Silva rotated in and out of the team.
Benjamin Mendy (LWB)
Another player who has been linked with City for a long time, but is yet to arrive, Mendy was one of the best left-backs in France last season. His arrival will provide Guardiola with a great attacking outlet down the left flank.
Bernardo Silva (RW)
City’s first signing of the summer, the Portuguese international will play on the right channel and cut in regularly on to his stronger left foot. A player very much similar to his namesake and new teammate David Silva, Bernardo will add a lot of impetus to the Citizens’ attack.
Alexis Sanchez (LW)
If it happens, and it is looking increasingly likely that it will, Alexis Sanchez’s arrival from Arsenal will arguably be the biggest transfer of the summer. One of the best attackers in the game, the Chilean international proved last season as to how good he can be. If signed, he will take up the left-hand side of the attacking trident, with Leroy Sane acting as a rotation option.
Sergio Aguero (ST)
Despite Guardiola’s antipathy towards the Argentine forward and his fondness for Gabriel Jesus, there are no questions that Aguero is one of the best in the Premier League and should be starting week in week out at the top of the attack.