Jack Grealish ended the Manchester City victory over Young Boys at the Etihad in a central role, which has led Pep Guardiola to feel the player might play in that capacity.
FEATURED VIDEO
With just over ten minutes remaining at the Etihad, Jeremy Doku replaced Mateo Kovacic. Guardiola then positioned the Belgian on the left, Phil Foden on the right, and Grealish in the centre of the attack. Julian Alvarez was not deployed as a substitute.
Grealish had very little opportunity to play that role in his City career since his £100 million departure from Aston Villa, when he was frequently used in the midfield to impact games. However, he was excellent in the second half against the Swiss champions and made a lively cameo when unleashed centrally.
With all three of them in outstanding form, starting Grealish in the midfield in Kevin De Bruyne’s absence could be a solution to get him, Doku, and Foden on the same team. However, Alvarez has also excelled in that role when the Belgian isn’t there.
Though he could need a more flexible role than some of the other choices, Guardiola is certain that Grealish could play there for City.
“He is capable. Jack can play that position a little more freely while still being a strong defensive player. It’s astonishing how much he can help us, but he can play there, Guardiola remarked.
Grealish, who has yet to score this season, said after the game that he needed to score more goals. He assisted Foden’s goal against Young Boys, which was sandwiched between another double for Erling Haaland.
“We speak about it, he knows it, he makes a good assist, he has the chances, one day we will unlock the situation and he will score goals because in the training sessions he has the ability to do it,” Guardiola added.
