Julian Alvarez is too influential to the Manchester City team not to play, yet the XI without him at RB Leipzig enjoyed the control that Pep Guardiola loves
After being unable to force his way into Pep Guardiola's team for the biggest games last year, Julian Alvarez has taken the opportunity that opened up with Kevin De Bruyne's injury and made himself - in the words of the manager - "almost undroppable". His match-winning turn from the bench at RB Leipzig has surely cemented his place in the XI when the Blues head to Arsenal for their most important match of the Premier League campaign so far.
At the same time though, what pleased Guardiola so much against RB Leipzig in what was probably the closest City performance to their heights of last season was the control. They dominated possession from the opening minutes and the coach is adamant that "nice, nice things will happen" when you do that.
That is exacerbated when Rodri isn't available, as he won't be at the Etihad. There is nobody who can orchestrate and conduct from the base of midfield like Rodri, and the best solution is probably to basically double up in that area of the pitch. Alvarez has been so important that it would be madness to leave him out, but around him it is trickier. If Foden is to continue - and he is another that would feel very hard done by not to given his recent performances - City need as much cover to protect that midfield.
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