'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Midfielders
City's nominal 4-3-3 formation sees Fernandinho, Kevin de Bruyne and David Silva lineup in the midfield three.
This season Fernandinho's main role will be to play as a pivot. Fernandinho sits deep to provide cover for the defensive line. His ability to recover and distribute the ball is essential to City's possession-based philosophy. This position is crucial and Fernandinho's work is invaluable.
Fernandinho is 33 years old and that's why Guardiola looks for his replacement in the future. Fernandinho is now one of the most experienced players in this squad and will be a leader in their pursuit of a fourth Premier League title. His partners in the midfield should be Kevin de Bruyne and David Silva.
Most of the time this season, Kevin de Bruyne will play as the right midfielder and David Silva as the left midfielder. Guardiola wants them to be positioned in the half-spaces to be able to link up with wingers and the middle half of the pitch also. Both of them are expected to cover a lot of ground.
Kevin de Bruyne was the best player in Premier League last season along with Mohamed Salah. He scored 8 goals and most importantly he provided 16 assists. He can often be found drifting into the wide channels to take a pass from his fullback.
Last season, David Silva had some family problems. Despite that, he still managed to score 9 goals and provide 11 assists in 28 matches in Premier League. This is going to be Silva's ninth season at Etihad. Surely, he is one of the best players in their history. Also, one of the greatest foreign players in Premier in Premier League history.
While Kevin de Bruyne has his role cemented, David Silva may see his contribution reduced because of his age. Bernardo Silva can also play in his position.
