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[Image] 2 ways in which Man City could line up with this £44m midfield maestro in the team

According to reports, Manchester City are in advanced talks to sign Jorginho from Napoli for £40m, with the Italian club holding out for £44m. After a record-breaking season, Pep Guardiola and Manchester City are looking to strengthen their future as well. Retaining the title will be difficult for City but not impossible with Pep at the helm.

In order to defend the title and challenge for the Champions League next term, a player like Jorginho could work wonders for City. The midfielder enjoyed a brilliant season at Naples, making 36 appearances and scoring 3 goals, including one against City in the Champions League last November.

The Italian plays as the deepest central midfielder in a three-man midfield. He is a world-class passer, with admirable distribution skills and an ability to read the game.

Fernandinho played a crucial role in City’s title triumph but he is on the wrong side of 30 and Pep needs to target a long-term replacement for the Brazilian. With exceptional passing abilities and a penchant for carrying out defensive duties, Jorginho could be the ideal player to replace Fernandinho at City.

Jorginho

Should City complete the signing of Jorginho, Pep must make some tactical tweaks as the Italian would need the support of a strong box-to-box player to protect him.

Without much ado, let us have a look at City’s midfield lineup fitting Jorginho.

Manchester City lineup featuring Jorginho

Formation: 4-3-3

Manager: Pep Guardiola

Fernandinho (CDM)

Fernandinho did an incredible job last season, with his overall contributions proving to be vital to City’s dominance. After a top campaign, he simply cannot be taken out of the picture by Guardiola. His ability to make sublime passes as well as undertake defensive duties make him a vital cog in City’s machine.

Jorginho

Jorginho (LCM)

Jorginho is more suited to play in a deep-lying midfield role but due to Fernandinho’s presence, Guardiola could field him a little higher up the pitch. This would allow the Italian to impact the game more with his passing and crossing abilities, thereby taking the creative role of David Silva in the side.

Kevin De Bruyne (RCM)

Inarguably City’s best player in the recently concluded season, De Bruyne has transformed himself into an all-action midfielder capable of doing anything. He is the heartbeat of Pep’s team and is only expected to get better.

Raheem Sterling (RW)

One player that has improved massively under Guardiola is Raheem Sterling. His breathtaking displays on the right-wing will come in handy for City next term as well.

Leroy Sane (LW)

Pace, precision and skill helped Sane destroy teams single-handedly on numerous occasions last term. At 22, the nippy German has his best years ahead of him.

Sergio Aguero (ST)

Ruthless and relentless, Sergio Aguero would again be the man to lead City’s attack. He is prone to injuries but if he can maintain his form, the Argentine is capable of smashing the 40-goal barrier next season.

The 4-3-3 formation was Pep’s winning formula last season and knowing his nature to not alter it, let us put Jorginho in his preferred role and see how City’s lineup shapes up.

Jorginho (CDM)

Jorginho plays as a deep-lying playmaker at Napoli and he could take over Fernandinho’s role at City.

Bernardo Silva (LCM)

We saw little of Bernardo Silva in his debut season at City but the little magician is the ideal player to replace the ageing David Silva. Intelligent and quick with twinkle feet, Bernardo Silva is a gifted player that needs to be properly utilised by Pep.

Ilkay Gundogan (RCM)

Jorginho needs a solid box-to-box midfielder to help him occasionally and that protection could be provided by Gundogan. The German is a goal-scoring midfielder who loves to surge forward and help his team during attacks.

Leroy Sane (LW)

Sane has made the left-wing position his own and there is no stopping him from starting in that position next season.

Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne (RW)

If De Bruyne is shifted from the midfield, he could be effective if deployed on the right. The Belgian is a creative genius and no matter where you play him, he will find a way to assist you.

Gabriel Jesus (ST)

Aguero’s injury concerns may see Jesus making a big claim for himself in the centre-forward role. The Brazilian is a natural poacher and a fine campaign with the national team in the World Cup could see him finally become a regular at City.