cccc said:
I'm one of his biggest fans but thought he was very sloppy today.
He needs to be much more aggressive in the challenge, and cut out the stupid fouls. He also seems to be turned a lot easier this season. Last year, positionally he was all over players. Wherever they turned he was there - he did this vs Lukaku this year also but he has been turned by average players which is a bit shit.
Not worried though, he probably just is rusty after being out for a month.
I don't think the high line suits his game at all. He was superb last season alongside Kompany in a deeper line. Vinny is more of a front foot defender and Nasti was outstanding sweeping up behind.
This season our centre halves need to be more aggressive and on the front foot for the system to work. This doesn't suit Nasti's game at all. Particularly when playing alongside Lescott, who is also not blessed with any pace.
It's not a criticism of Pellegrini or his style of play, it is obviously working and we are absolutely flying at the moment. Unfortunately it's not a perfect world, and the system won't suit everyone. Barry (who is one of my favourite ever City players) was a casualty of this higher tempo, high line style of football, and unfortunately I don't think it suits Nasti or Clichy either.
I'd still pick Nasti alongside Kompany in our strongest 11 though. I think he's an outstanding talent and has the potential to be one of the very best. He's much better alongside Kompany, and I think he'll adapt and improve his game over time. He's got a fantastic future ahead of him, hopefully at City.