If Nico can dictate the midfield battle Manchester City have a chance against Liverpool | OneFootball

Manchester City face a tough challenge at the Etihad today as they take on Premier League leaders Liverpool. Arne Slot’s side has romped clear at the top of the Premier League this season. They also dominated the earlier meeting between the two teams this season at Anfield. Heading into today’s game you do sense that the midfield battle may well decide today’s match. On that front Nico may have a pivotal role to play during today’s match.

It almost feels unfair to see Nico have the burden of carrying Manchester City’s midfield placed on his shoulders. The Spanish midfielder only arrived at the Etihad on transfer deadline day at the beginning of February. But it is a credit to him that he has made City’s midfield better when he is at his best. During Manchester City’s 4-nil win over Newcastle United last weekend Nico dictated the entire game in the engine room. He set the tempo of the game and he made all of his teammates better. During Manchester City’s 3-1 loss to Real Madrid, the opposite was true. Nico and his teammates couldn’t get a foothold in the game. Due to this Real Madrid ran rampant as Manchester City barely fired a shot at the Bernabeu.

But you do get the sense that Nico must play like he did against Newcastle for City to have a chance against Liverpool today. If he can dictate the midfield battle it will help Pep Guardiola’s side control proceedings. That will be no easy task, as Liverpool’s midfield is stacked with quality and energy. The lack of legs and energy in midfield has been an issue for Manchester City all season. But if Nico plays at his best he does improve that area of the pitch for Pep Guardiola’s side. Coupled with his technical and tactical ability he does have the ability to control today’s match at the Etihad.

Nico will have a pivotal role to play for Manchester City today at the Etihad. It does seem that the Spanish midfielder must be at his best for City to have a chance of winning at the Etihad against Liverpool. Nico’s performance is just one thing to watch for during today’s match. There are many players who could decide today’s match for both teams but you do sense that Nico maybe Manchester City’s most important player during today’s fixture.