This Manchester City side is far from the finished product. With a new manager, a host of new players and new tactical tweaks having been put in place by Enzo Maresca, this City side is learning on the job. Despite this, City have won seven consecutive matches in all competitions, which represents a strong start to the 2026-27 season. However, there are areas of concern to City’s play that will hopefully iron themselves out in time. One such area of concern has been the defensive performances of Josko Gvardiol. In possession, Gvardiol has been superb, however at the back the Croatian international there is plenty of scope for improvement in his play.
Josko Gvardiol hasn’t been at his best defensively which has stood out across the first seven matches that Manchester City have played.
Enzo Maresca has quickly implemented his style on this Manchester City side. Maresca’s system is similar to Pep Guardiola’s, however, there are noticeable differences between how Maresca’s side plays compared to Guardiola’s City teams. One major difference is how Maresca sets up his defence. In possession, City set up with a back three with one of the full-backs advancing into midfield. Josko Gvardiol has done this from left-back in the majority of City’s seven matches. In possession, Gvardiol has been a weapon. Defensively, he hasn’t been at his best.
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Often, Josko Gvardiol is caught out of position, especially when City lose possession. His advanced position does leave a hole at the back for teams to attack. At times, teams have had joy getting at City down the right-hand side. Also, Gvardiol hasn’t been at his best defensively. He hasn’t been strong in a challenge and there is plenty of room for Gvardiol to improve defensively. Gvardiol’s defensive form isn’t a major cause for concern. But there are higher levels for him to reach.
Josko Gvardiol’s defensive displays are typical of this Manchester City side. They are doing their job by winning matches. Seven consecutive wins in all competitions attest to this. But there is plenty of room for growth across this entire City side just as there is with Josko Gvardiol’s defensive displays.
Going forward, Josko Gvardiol has been superb and once he finds his feet defensively City should improve.
The clear strength of Josko Gvardiol’s displays this season has been in the final third. So far, Gvardiol has scored one goal and added two assists in seven appearances. The Croatian international scored the late winner when Manchester City beat Bournemouth 2-1 on the opening weekend of the 2026-27 season. He set up Erling Haaland‘s winner at Old Trafford against Manchester United. Gvardiol was at it again when he set up Erling Haaland’s and Manchester City’s fifth goal in their 5-3 win over Sunderland.
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The role that Enzo Maresca is asking Josko Gvardiol to fulfil suits his quality and strengths in possession. Gvardiol is extremely gifted technically and he is an attacking weapon in the final third. Clearly, Maresca values this side of Gvardiol’s game. What needs to improve is Gvardiol’s defensive work and hopefully that arrives after the international break.
Josko Gvardiol has played an important role for Manchester City so far this season. In attack, he has been a major weapon. Defensively, Gvardiol hasn’t hit the same heights. Gvardiol’s defensive form isn’t yet a major concern. However, if he tightens up at the back, Enzo Maresca’s side should be an all-around stronger unit, which is exactly what is hoped will occur as this City side grows together.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
