Oscar Bobb has emerged as a starter at Manchester City, despite competing with some of the most accomplished attackers in European football. His progress is particularly impressive given that he missed much of last season through injury, a setback that could easily have resulted in a loan move away from the Etihad during the summer. Instead, City opted to retain him, and that decision is already being vindicated as the Norwegian begins to establish himself as a valuable member of Pep Guardiola’s squad.
City have not enjoyed the strongest opening to the campaign, suffering back-to-back defeats after winning their first league fixture. The team is in a transitional period, continuing to evolve following the departure of several influential figures over recent seasons. New signings have been integrated, but they require time to adapt fully to Guardiola’s demanding system. In the meantime, results have been inconsistent, and City remain in search of stability.
Bobb’s Opportunity at the Etihad
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Amid this context, Bobb has taken his chance to feature more prominently. His inclusion in the starting line-up has come as a surprise to some, yet his quality, versatility, and tactical awareness have already begun to justify Guardiola’s trust. He is proving that he can not only keep pace with City’s high standards but also contribute decisively when given opportunities.
Asked about his increased game time and the instructions received from his manager, Bobb gave a straightforward account of Guardiola’s approach. Speaking to [TV2](https://www.tv2.no/sport/overrasket-bobb-merker-endring-i-city-garderoben-aksepteres-ikke/18074501/), he explained, “Not so much. It will eventually become quite clear to you what your role will be in training. He has basically just said: ‘Be ready, and you will play what you will play’. He wants everyone to be ready.”
A Player on the Rise
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The simplicity of Guardiola’s message highlights the meritocratic nature of his squad management. For Bobb, the directive is clear: remain prepared, and opportunities will arise. His growing influence demonstrates both his resilience after injury and his determination to seize the moment when others might have doubted his role at the club.
As Manchester City look to recover from their uneven start, Bobb’s emergence provides a positive storyline. His continued development could prove significant in the months ahead, offering Guardiola an additional option in attack and underlining the value of City’s decision to keep him within the squad rather than sending him out on loan.