Defensive mix still puzzles Maresca

Finding the optimal defensive mix for Manchester City is proving far from straightforward for Enzo Maresca, who faces a heavy workload during the international break. Manchester City have dropped points in each of their last three Premier League fixtures, exposing several clear weaknesses. Among those weaknesses, the defence stands out as a major flaw.

The current defensive structure is evidently vulnerable to exploitation. Much of the vulnerability stems from a midfield that is overly spacious, leaving the back line exposed to near‑unmanageable situations. Moreover, Maresca has yet to identify a settled first‑choice back four.

Selecting a consistent quartet remains a difficult task at this stage. The majority of the squad’s defenders are currently out of form or hindered. Maresca has rotated his defence heavily throughout the season. This rotation has prevented any continuity from developing in the back line.

Injuries and form disrupt the back line

Nevertheless, Maresca’s decisions are driven by specific considerations. Player fitness and his own selection preferences are two key factors. The poor form of several defenders also weighs heavily on his choices.

Nico O’Reilly has been coping with a back injury since City’s 1‑0 victory over Coventry City in early September. Marc Guehi has recently suffered a hip injury that forced his withdrawal from the England squad for the upcoming international break. O’Reilly’s absence has compelled Josko Gvardiol to start at left‑back more regularly.

Gvardiol’s performances have also declined in form. He frequently finds himself too advanced, acting as an extra attacker and struggling to recover defensively. At times he has been overly passive, failing to stop incoming crosses.

Maresca has occasionally deployed Abdukodir Khusanov at right‑back instead of his natural centre‑back position. Matheus Nunes incurred an injury, although the positional change occurred before that setback. Khusanov is primarily a centre‑back, not a right‑back.

Nunes is regarded as Manchester City’s best option at right‑back. The logical step forward is to start Nunes at right‑back in most matches. Rico Lewis appears more suited to a squad‑player role rather than a regular right‑back slot.

Left‑back Rayan Ait‑Nouri currently offers little to Maresca’s plans. Ruben Dias has occasionally been exposed, while Vitor Reis has yet to feature prominently this season.

Key players and the way forward

Dias serves as Manchester City’s captain and a cornerstone of the defence. Maresca is likely to build his defensive framework around Dias. This season has seen Dias swing between dominant displays and moments of hesitation and slowness.

The midfield void does not aid Dias in his performances. Tightening or reshaping the midfield could benefit Dias. Vitor Reis has seen only limited action this campaign.

The Brazilian centre‑back possesses a promising future and could become a key figure in the defence. His pace and game‑reading ability make a strong case for a larger role. Critics argue that Reis lacks the physical maturity required for consistent Premier League play.

With Dias and Guehi struggling, Reis may be offered an opportunity that aligns with Maresca’s system. Gianluigi Donnarumma’s current form does not bolster the defensive unit.

At his peak, Donnarumma is a commanding presence and leader for Manchester City. He can inspire and organise the back line effectively. He also serves as the last line of defence, known for crucial saves.

This season, however, he has performed well below his usual standards. A surge of costly errors has highlighted the need for improvement. Donnarumma’s struggles add another layer of difficulty to City’s defensive problems.

It may be time for Maresca to cement a first‑choice back four and build from there. Too often, the defence has been laid bare whenever the team loses its shape. In almost every match, opponents have created high‑quality chances because of the midfield’s shortcomings.

Strengthening the midfield should help alleviate the defensive pressure. Keeping full‑backs from venturing too far forward in possession could also provide relief. Maresca must finally decide on a settled back four.

The exact composition remains unclear given current form and fitness concerns. Continuity is essential for the defence to understand Maresca’s expectations. Achieving this is nearly impossible with a revolving‑door selection policy at the back.