Manchester City’s 2-1 comeback win over Bournemouth on the opening day of the Premier League season saw a positional switch for Marc Guehi.
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Enzo Maresca decided to deploy the 26-year-old, a centre-back by trade, alongside Elliot Anderson in central midfield, while Rico Lewis was chosen at right back and Nico O'Reilly was seen in a more attacking position.
After conceding a goal in the 26th minute, City’s equaliser against the Cherries came with Guehi’s header after being set up by Rayan Cherki with a cross following a corner in the 84th minute.
The Frenchman, who came off the bench to replace O'Reilly in the 63rd minute, then went on to assist the hosts’ winning goal netted by Josko Gvardiol in stoppage time.
In a press conference after the 2-1 win over the Cherries, Maresca explained his decision to field Guehi in midfield while praising his performance out of position.
cityxtra.co.ukEnzo Maresca Hints at Continued Marc Guehi Role in Manchester City MidfieldManchester City manager Enzo Maresca has hinted at a positional switch for Marc Guehi after Sunday's 2-1 win over Bournemouth.
"It's just in this moment it is important to find solutions. I know Marc from Palace and I always thought he could be a good midfielder," Maresca said.
“We tried him the first two days of the week after [the 3-0 Community Shield defeat to Arsenal] as a central defender stepping in, and in the last two days we tried him as a proper midfielder - and overall, I think it was a good performance from him and the good thing is he now also gives us a solution for the future."
The Italian tactician further mentioned that the England international is now “another option in the middle” for City in case they need reinforcements in the upcoming games.
Guehi heaped praise on his fellow teammates, appreciating them for helping him "feel at ease" in the midfield position.
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I’m fortunate enough to have so many good team-mates, says Guehi
Manchester City were pitted against Guehi’s former club Crystal Palace in their second Premier League match of the campaign on August 28.
Speaking prior to his first return to Selhurst Park since joining City in January, the centre-back reflected on his experience playing in the midfield against Bournemouth.
“I felt good and comfortable," the 26-year-old said in conversation with official club media. "There was a lot of work on the training pitch with the manager in the week before.
"I’m fortunate enough to have so many good team-mates around me and helped me before and during the game to feel at ease to step into that position. It was really enjoyable.”
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Guehi: Cherki is a good guy to have around!
Guehi lauded Cherki as a “fantastic player,” highlighting the 23-year-old’s contributions off the bench after being snubbed by Maresca for the starting XI against Bournemouth.
“Rayan is a fantastic player with such a fantastic future ahead of him," the centre-half added. "He’s definitely made a difference coming on - and usually does in any game he plays.
"He’s a player we love and just want to carry on doing well. He’s always smiling – he’s just a good guy to have around."
The Chelsea graduate also heaps praise on City’s midfield summer signings - Anderson from Nottingham Forest and Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille.
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Guehi added: “Elliot looks like he’s settled in very well. It’s still early days but so far, he looks very comfortable and like himself - I think we’ll only see more and more and the best of Elliot.”
“Ayyoub is a very exciting young player with loads of potential and a great future ahead of him. I know everyone here will take good care of him, and everyone is excited to see him play."
Marc Guehi returns to Man City’s backline against Palace
Manchester secured a 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace in their recent Premier League outing, with Erling Haaland and Cherki scoring a brace each.
The match saw Guehi start in his usual position in the backline as he made five defensive contributions, three clearances and four recoveries. In 90 minutes on the pitch, the centre-half maintained a pass accuracy of 98%.
cityxtra.co.ukMatch Report & Player Ratings: Crystal Palace 1-4 Man City (Premier League)Erling Haaland and Rayan Cherki steered Manchester City to an excellent 4-1 win over Crystal Palace by scoring two apiece to place Enzo Maresca’s side at the top of the Premier League table.
When asked about moving Guehi back to defence, Maresca told BBC Sport: "We try to find solutions. Marc was in midfield last week. Today we changed something. It's my job to find the solution."
Since his arrival at Etihad Stadium in January, Guehi has made 23 appearances for Manchester City in all competitions, netting three goals and providing an assist.
What’s next for Manchester City?
The second gameweek of the season concluded with Manchester City ranking on top of the league table with six points.
Despite being tied in points with Arsenal, Hull City and Chelsea, Maresca’s side stay ahead owing to their higher goal difference (four) and total goals scored (six).
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Manchester City are pitted against newly promoted side Coventry City next in the English top-flight on September 5, having bolstered their squad with the signings of Bouaddi, Iliman Ndiaye, Allan Elias and Enzo Fernandez in the final week of the summer transfer window.
It remains to be seen if Guehi continues in his usual role as a centre-back or is deployed in the midfield by Maresca as the hosts aim to start a winning streak on Saturday.