#2 Zlatan Ibrahimovic vs. John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi
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Guardiola’s teams defend in unison and it starts right from the attackers who are tasked with winning the ball as high up as possible. Since high pressing and ball retention are key aspects of the way his teams play, there is no need for a defensive leader like Nemanja Vidic or John Terry.
Instead, center backs comfortable in receiving the ball from their goalkeeper and being able to pass between the lines to the midfielders or attackers are preferred.
This means that players like Gerard Pique, Javier Mascherano or Javi Martinez, who are more known for their passing abilities rather than their defensive prowess, play an integral role under Guardiola.
John Stones, immensely talented, a defender in the Rio Ferdinand mould, had a season to forget last year. Part of an Everton team that was subpar defensively, Stones quickly became the fall guy for all of Everton’s defensive struggles.
Under Pep Guardiola’s leadership and tactical shape, however, he looks rejuvenated. John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi have looked steady, but the real test for them now awaits.
“I come to win…I don’t come to waste time…to look at the weather. I do not give up until I win”
Zlatan Effect
Enter Zlatan Ibrahimovic. When United signed the mercurial Swede, there was widespread scepticism of it being just a marketing gimmick intended to sell shirts. But those critics failed to take into account the Swede’s sheer determination and will to win.
A fantastic return of 4 goals in 5 starts has gone a long way in justifying the large investment United made in signing him even though it was a free transfer, helping United to a perfect start.
Add to the fact that a couple of those goals were achieved by overpowering two of the most physical center backs in the league – Jose Fonte and Wes Morgan – all doubts about Zlatan being able to cope with physical demands of the Premier League have been forgotten.
Under Mourinho, United’s play is more direct, as the full backs look to bomb forward at every opportunity and look to cross the ball into the box at the 6’ 5” tall Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Premier League shows no signs of slowing down the prolific Swede and come derby day ,the outcome of the duel between Zlatan and Manchester City’s center backs could well turn out to be pivotal.
