Pep Guardiola hails City’s highly rated young duo of Aleix Garcia and Pablo Maffeo after narrow derby loss

Manchester City were knocked out of the EFL Cup after succumbing to a narrow 1-0 defeat to arch rivals Manchester United

Yesterday’s defeat made it six games without a win for the men in Sky Blue, their longest winless streak since 2008. It also happens to be Pep Guardiola’s worst run of form since he first became a coach.

The manager, however, said he was pleased with the  performance of the team even if disappointed by the final result, singling out praises for 19  year old midfielder Aleix Garcia and 19 year old right-back Pablo Maffeo.

Pep Guardiola stating his post-match thoughts, said “We made a good performance, so there’s no regrets. We were still fighting until the last minute. Aleix Garcia was outstanding. Same with Pablo Maffeo, he was amazing – fighting with Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba, he won almost all of his duels.”

The praise comes as no surprise given the matured performances by the two Manchester City youngsters at the derby.

Aleix Garcia started in the midfield role at Old Trafford, constantly switching positions with Fernando as the deepest midfielder. The Spanish midfielder showcased his qualities on the ball as well off it, impressing one and all with his diverse passing range, composure in tight areas and ability to pick out his team-mates with a pass with ease.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 26: Josep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City (R) embraces Aleix Garcia of Manchester City (L) after the final whistle during the EFL Cup fourth round match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on October 26, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 26: Josep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City (R) embraces Aleix Garcia of Manchester City (L) after the final whistle during the EFL Cup fourth round match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on October 26, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo courtesy David Rogers/Getty Images)

And that’s not all as the player also showed willingness to get stuck in and do the dirty work. Aleix ended the game winning 2 tackles and 2 interceptions alongside making the most passes (85 out of 90) among any player yesterday (via Whoscored).

Pablo Maffeo was stationed at the right-back spot, given the responsibility of handling the attacking duo of Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw, and he did that admirably well.

Rashford’s pace makes him a very dangerous player in 1 on 1 situations but the Spanish full-back managed to subdue him more often than not. Rashford did get goalside of Maffeo once with a clever run but the right-back redeemed himself with an excellent block.

Manchester City's Spanish defender Pablo Maffeo (L) vies with Manchester United's English striker Marcus Rashford during the EFL (English Football League) Cup fourth round match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England on October 26, 2016. / AFP / Oli SCARFF / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images)
Manchester City’s Spanish defender Pablo Maffeo (L) vies with Manchester United’s English striker Marcus Rashford during the EFL (English Football League) Cup fourth round match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England on October 26, 2016. (Photo courtesy OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images)

Maffeo continued to make crucial challenges and blocks to save his team throughout the game, and was left completely breathless by the time the final whistle was blown, highlighting the effort he had put in the match.

On last night’s evidence, both Garcia and Maffeo have proved they can be trusted for more game time. Considering Manchester City don’t have a genuine back-up for Fernandinho while their options at the right-back spot are 31 year old Pablo Zabaleta and 33 year old Bacary Sagna, with contracts of both set to end in 2017, the young duo won’t be far off from featuring more frequently for the first team.

 

 

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