Is Josko Gvardiol or Nathan Ake Manchester City’s best bet at left-back?

With the international break now, the focus of the football world Manchester City are well placed to continue their treble defence. There appears to be several questions as to the makeup of City’s best lineup on the run home. One appears to be is Josko Gvardiol or Nathan Ake the world champions best option at left-back?

Manchester City are blessed to have two quality options for the left-hand side of their defence. Ake and Gvardiol are both quality players with different strengths to their games. While they aren’t traditional full-back’s, they are both a key part of City’s setup. But which one is the best option to start the crucial run of games coming up may depend on what Pep Guardiola demands from the position in the big games to come.

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When comparing the two players, Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake both possess different qualities. Ake isn’t as good in possession as Gvardiol. The Croatian defender becomes an important option when City have possession when he starts. His marauding runs down the champions left-hand side help City maintain width when in possession. His technical ability is such that he can make passes that many left-backs can not. It’s not a knock on Ake that his technical ability is just shy of that of Gvardiol.

But defensively, the nod appears to go to Ake. The Dutch international has been an integral player for Pep Guardiola’s side over the past two seasons. He made the spot his own during City’s run to the treble last campaign. Besides his error against Liverpool, Ake is rarely beaten defensively and has been one of City’s most important defenders. Gvardiol is a solid defender but not quite as reliable as Ake at this stage of his development.

It may be a case of which player is best suited to Manchester City’s opponents on the run home. Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake have different strengths to their games, which may be best suited to certain situations. How Pep Guardiola chooses to utilise both players will be interesting to monitor as Manchester City chase history this season.