Jos needs to be playing in pole position

IS Pep Guardiola the only manager on planet earth who would get a brand new £77.6m centre-back and play him at left-back? Very possibly

- DANIEL MURPHY 

It’s hardly surprising. The City boss prizes versatility as one of the most important traits a player can possess as it allows him to keep his squads small in personnel but large on options.

Ruben Dias, Riyad Mahrez and Ederson were the only players not to play more than one role last season and you get the distinct impression the goalkeeper would play in midfield if only he got his own way.

So when Josko Gvardiol arrives and he’s able to play as a full-back as well as his natural position... well, you just know Guardiola was getting giddy.

But just as the Blues boss would never dream of actually starting Ederson alongside Rodri in the middle, sometimes players should just be selected in their natural position. Of course, Guardiola had made a habit of playing centre-backs on the flank in 2023.