width is now provided by pushed up fullbacks even if Gvardiol and Walker both missing crucial attacking third skills (those Dani Alves skills where he could play top class 1/2-s with inside players or regularly create top notch crosses/assists and beat defenders and even get inside the box) compared to last season where we saw many times Grealish was sticking at the byline to hold position, get the ball and pass it backwards but not really come inside the box. Doku is different as our play is different too now we push up Gvardiol on the left to provide width, allowing Doku really threaten the box and get inside if he can and beat his defender and try to make a shot or a cross vs the more measured approach of last season Ake staying bit behind, Grealish sticking on the byline rather than make things happen. its all part of Pep mixing it up again.
for current system Grealish aint a great fit, as he is struggling to become an aggressive player beating defenders, getting shots on target and deliver great crosses regularly. out of 10 shots he makes, majority are blocked, very few ends on target. and ofte recycles the ball even from good crossing chances taking not much risk. both Doku and Foden can be used from the left if needed for more attacking options with greater gol/assist chances.
most our games in February will be like vs parked buses where we need Doku more than Grealish. but can see Pep opting for Foden on left in some games to get Bernardo or Alvarez into the first 11 too now KDb and Haaland both back. as our defence not as good as it was last season I think we need someone next to Rodri to help either Kovacic or Bernardo, or one of Nunes/ Stones/Lewis meaning only 3 places usually for Grealish, Doku, foden, Alvarez, Haaland, Bernardo, Bernardo being a wild card as can play almost anywhere in midfield too.
for Grealish to earn a regular starting place in this system he would need to be levels above others in training and hit incredible form when given playing time like scoring and or assisting every game almost.
for current system Grealish aint a great fit, as he is struggling to become an aggressive player beating defenders, getting shots on target and deliver great crosses regularly. out of 10 shots he makes, majority are blocked, very few ends on target. and ofte recycles the ball even from good crossing chances taking not much risk. both Doku and Foden can be used from the left if needed for more attacking options with greater gol/assist chances.
most our games in February will be like vs parked buses where we need Doku more than Grealish. but can see Pep opting for Foden on left in some games to get Bernardo or Alvarez into the first 11 too now KDb and Haaland both back. as our defence not as good as it was last season I think we need someone next to Rodri to help either Kovacic or Bernardo, or one of Nunes/ Stones/Lewis meaning only 3 places usually for Grealish, Doku, foden, Alvarez, Haaland, Bernardo, Bernardo being a wild card as can play almost anywhere in midfield too.
for Grealish to earn a regular starting place in this system he would need to be levels above others in training and hit incredible form when given playing time like scoring and or assisting every game almost.