{"id":1435775,"date":"2026-03-02T12:44:11","date_gmt":"2026-03-02T12:44:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=features&#038;p=1435775"},"modified":"2026-03-02T17:17:45","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T17:17:45","slug":"tactical-analysis-nico-oreilly-man-city-tweaks","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-nico-oreilly-man-city-tweaks\/","title":{"rendered":"Nico O&#8217;Reilly analysis: How physicality and tactical tweaks made him undroppable at Man City"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Erling Haaland missed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/stats\/clubs\/manchester-city\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Manchester City<\/a>\u2019s 1-0 win over <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/stats\/clubs\/leeds-united\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Leeds United<\/a> on Saturday evening.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ultimately, they didn\u2019t need their Norwegian hitman to deliver the three points. While a striker of his calibre would have helped Man City maximise their dominance \u2013 the Citizens managed 67% possession at Elland Road at the weekend \u2013 Antoine Semenyo\u2019s strike on the stroke of half time proved the difference in Yorkshire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>In this article, we&#8217;ll cover:<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-4-1-3-2\" data-level=\"3\">4-1-3-2<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-o-reilly-s-physicality-key\" data-level=\"3\">O&#8217;Reilly&#8217;s physicality key<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-man-city-s-versatile-enforcer\" data-level=\"3\">Man City&#8217;s versatile enforcer<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-full-backs-flourished-with-man-city-safety-net\" data-level=\"3\">Full-backs flourished with Man City safety net<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-1-3-2\">4-1-3-2<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The victory itself marked the fifth successive league game that Pep Guardiola utilised a 4-1-3-2 setup. The system allows Guardiola to field as many of his attacking players as possible with Rodri acting as the safety net. Crucially, it\u2019s a setup that has really benefitted Nico O\u2019Reilly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>O\u2019Reilly has started five league matches in midfield this season. All five have come in the five games Guardiola has used a 4-1-3-2 formation. A midfielder-by-trade, the 20-year-old was initially used at left-back. The defensive deployment made sense. Standing at 6&#8217;4&#8243;, O\u2019Reilly is an imposing figure.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"article-page__title\">Dabble sign-up offer: <b data-stringify-type=\"bold\">Bet \u00a310+ &amp; Receive \u00a310 In Free Bets<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p><strong>Not signed up to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/dabble-sign-up-offer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Dabble<\/a> yet? Here's how to claim the <b data-stringify-type=\"bold\">Bet \u00a310+ &amp; Receive \u00a310 In Free Bets<\/b> welcome offer:<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<ol>\r\n<li>Sign up to Dabble through this <a href=\"\/en\/go\/dabble?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\">link<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>Register your account with accurate personal details<\/li>\r\n<li>Place your first bet of \u00a310 or more<\/li>\r\n<li>Receive your \u00a310 in free bets when your qualifying bet has setted<\/li>\r\n<li>Use your Free Bet on any eligible sportsbook market within 7 days<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<p><a href=\"\/en\/go\/dabble?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1423518 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-300x250.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"250\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-300x250.png 300w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-320x267.png 320w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-240x200.png 240w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-72x60.png 72w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-150x125.png 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822-40x33.png 40w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/01\/12083841\/Screenshot-2026-01-12-083822.png 712w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\r\n<p>#AD 18+ 7-day free bet expiry. Stake not returned. Promotional Terms Apply.\u00a0<a class=\"c-link\" href=\"http:\/\/gambleaware.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-stringify-link=\"http:\/\/GambleAware.org\" data-sk=\"tooltip_parent\">GambleAware.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Guardiola\u2019s decision to use O\u2019Reilly at the back has allowed the youngster to hone his defensive qualities. Indeed, only Rayan Ait-Nouri (3.3) is making more tackles per 90 minutes than O\u2019Reilly (2.7) of all Man City players in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/premier-league\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Premier League<\/a> this season. What\u2019s stood out is how Guardiola has tinkered with his lineup to add physicality to the midfield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-o-reilly-s-physicality-key\">O&#8217;Reilly&#8217;s physicality key<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s a growing importance on winning physical battles and duels in the middle of the park. That\u2019s hardly a shock. Central midfield remains the most important part of the pitch. Yet, Guardiola has started O\u2019Reilly with Rodri and Bernardo Silva in midfield, two workhorses rather than the technicians at his disposal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku and Tijjani Reijnders have been overlooked of late as Guardiola favours dominance. Rayan Cherki only started at Leeds because Haaland missed out, meaning Semenyo was pushed forward to partner Omar Marmoush. O\u2019Reilly himself has admitted that a key reason he enjoys playing in midfield is because he enjoys breaking up play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m adding a bit more physicality in [midfield] and I\u2019m winning duels \u2013 I think it helps these players out so much who are so good on the ball and dictate the game,\u201d he recently told the official Man City website. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s just about breaking up the play in the middle and get those players on the ball\u2026 any of these players \u2013 I think it helps out and that\u2019s what I\u2019m there to do. I\u2019m enjoying it!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cNico gives us that physicality that we need in the middle,\u201d Guardiola recently enthused. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It speaks volumes that O\u2019Reilly has now locked down a spot in a position that comes with a huge responsibility under the Spaniard. O\u2019Reilly, though, isn\u2019t there to merely make up the numbers. Rather, he warrants his spot in the side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-man-city-s-versatile-enforcer\">Man City&#8217;s versatile enforcer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>O&#8217;Reilly isn\u2019t one to pry apart defences. He\u2019s averaging just 0.8 completed take ons and creating just 0.7 chances per 90 in the Premier League this season. Conversely, his ability to win the ball back is vital to Man City\u2019s overall dominance. Only Ruben Dias (3) made more tackles than O\u2019Reilly (2) for Guardiola\u2019s side at Leeds on Saturday. No Man City player won more aerial duels (3) than the academy product.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/02123330\/team_-average-positions-3-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1435777\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/02123330\/team_-average-positions-3-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/02123330\/team_-average-positions-3-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/02123330\/team_-average-positions-3-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/02123330\/team_-average-positions-3-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/02123330\/team_-average-positions-3-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/02123330\/team_-average-positions-3-267x267.jpg 267w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/02123330\/team_-average-positions-3-200x200.jpg 200w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/02123330\/team_-average-positions-3-60x60.jpg 60w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/02123330\/team_-average-positions-3-40x40.jpg 40w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/03\/02123330\/team_-average-positions-3.jpg 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>At Elland Road, O\u2019Reilly and Silva\u2019s average position map showed them forming a midfield three with Rodri while Cherki operated as an auxiliary No.9. This in turn allowed Matheus Nunes and Ait-Nouri to provide the width from right and left-back, respectively. It was a 4-1-3-2 on paper only. Marmoush and Semenyo split to pull wide for Cherki to push through the middle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the onus on getting the ball wide to the full-backs to peg the Leeds wingers back, just 24% of Man City\u2019s attacks came through the middle of the pitch. Silva, Rodri and O\u2019Reilly weren\u2019t there to punch holes in the Leeds defence. They were there to mop up and allow Nunes and Ait-Nouri to flourish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-full-backs-flourished-with-man-city-safety-net\">Full-backs flourished with Man City safety net<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The former created more chances (4) than any other Man City player at Elland Road. The latter provided the assist for Semenyo\u2019s winner. With O\u2019Reilly acting as an additional midfield enforcer, the full-backs can overlap safe in the knowledge the midfielders can plug the gaps. O\u2019Reilly\u2019s experience at left-back means he boasts the knowhow to provide the relevant cover for the attack-minded Ait-Nouri when the Algerian pushes on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cHe is becoming undroppable,\u201d former Man City centre-back Joleon Lescott said of O\u2019Reilly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And the ex-defender certainly has a point. The Citizens are unbeaten in the eight games O\u2019Reilly has started in midfield this season. They\u2019ve won seven. He\u2019s providing the requisite steel in the middle of the park to shore up Man City\u2019s title pursuit. If they do pip Arsenal to top spot, the versatile operator will have played a key role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pep will be hoping now he can recover from an ankle knock to face relegation-threatened <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/stats\/clubs\/nottingham-forest\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nottingham Forest<\/a> in midweek. Even without him, Man City should have enough to chop down the Tricky Trees. Keeping O\u2019Reilly fit for the run-in, after all, could be the difference between success and relative failure. Few could have foreseen that being the case at the turn of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/\"><strong>Latest football news<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football betting tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best betting sites<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/best-free-bet-offers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best free bet offers<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/accumulator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football accumulator tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\n\n\n    <div class=\"sq-articles-list\">\n                <div class=\"sq-cards\">\n          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class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/connorholden\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Connor Holden                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">1 day ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/spain-vs-belgium-penalty-analysis-world-cup-2026\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/09142325\/spain-vs-belgium-penalties-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Spain vs Belgium penalty analysis: Who will win if quarter-final goes all the way?\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/spain-vs-belgium-penalty-analysis-world-cup-2026\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Spain vs Belgium penalty analysis: Who will win if quarter-final goes all the way?                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/harry-edwards\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Harry Edwards                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">1 day ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/france-vs-morocco-penalty-analysis-world-cup-2026\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/09133027\/france-vs-morocco-penalties-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"France vs Morocco penalty analysis: Who will win if quarter-final goes all the way?\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/france-vs-morocco-penalty-analysis-world-cup-2026\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    France vs Morocco penalty analysis: Who will win if quarter-final goes all the way?                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/harry-edwards\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Harry Edwards                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">1 day ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/norway-analysis-world-cup-tactics-break-english-hearts\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/09091031\/ErlingHaaland09072026_ID3F02FX5-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Norway analysis: How Erling Haaland and the Vikings could break English hearts\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/norway-analysis-world-cup-tactics-break-english-hearts\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Norway analysis: How Erling Haaland and the Vikings could break English hearts                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/connorholden\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Connor Holden                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">1 day ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/france-vs-morocco-stats-world-cup-2026\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/09093642\/SYMS_FrancevsMorocco-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/france-vs-morocco-stats-world-cup-2026\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    France vs Morocco Stats: Mbappe chasing Messi, Deschamps\u2019 milestone &amp; Morocco\u2019s unbeaten run                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/jackkitson\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Jack Kitson                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">1 day ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-jude-bellingham-england-star\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/08163453\/JudeBellingham050726_ID3F0D9HB-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Jude Bellingham analysis: Why England don&#039;t have to rely on Harry Kane\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-jude-bellingham-england-star\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Jude Bellingham analysis: Why England don&#8217;t have to rely on Harry Kane                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/connorholden\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Connor Holden                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">2 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/world-cup-2026-quarter-finalsts-reliance-top-scorer\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/02190227\/feature_image-x-3-purple-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"World Cup quarter-finalist goalscorers\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/world-cup-2026-quarter-finalsts-reliance-top-scorer\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Every World Cup 2026 quarter-finalist ranked by reliance on their top goalscorer                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/harry-edwards\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Harry Edwards                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">2 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/alexander-isak-analysis-liverpool-andoni-iraola\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/08132341\/AlexanderIsak08072026_ID3EBB226-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/alexander-isak-analysis-liverpool-andoni-iraola\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Liverpool analysis: Why Andoni Iraola needs to avoid Darwin Nunez deja vu with Alexander Isak                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/sammcguire\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Sam McGuire                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">2 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/world-cup-2026-distance-travelled-08-07-26\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/06\/01111019\/predictions_article-16x9-2026-07-01T111009.322-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/world-cup-2026-distance-travelled-08-07-26\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    World Cup 2026: Which nation will travel the furthest distance this summer?                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/andrewfrancis\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Andy Francis                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">2 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/world-cup-2026-team-of-the-round-last-16\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/08001455\/LionelMessi07072026_ID3F0BY24ErlingHaaland08072026_ID3F03T33-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/world-cup-2026-team-of-the-round-last-16\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    World Cup 2026 Team of the Last-16: Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland star after dramatic round                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/harry-edwards\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Harry Edwards                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">2 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Erling Haaland missed Manchester City\u2019s 1-0 win over Leeds United on Saturday evening. Ultimately, they didn\u2019t need their Norwegian hitman to deliver the three points. While a striker of his calibre would have helped Man City maximise their dominance \u2013 the Citizens managed 67% possession at Elland Road at the weekend \u2013 Antoine Semenyo\u2019s strike&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3564,"featured_media":1435776,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"","_yoast_wpseo_title":"","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Nico O\u2019Reilly\u2019s emergence in Pep Guardiola\u2019s 4-1-3-2 has added crucial physicality and balance to Man City\u2019s midfield.","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"features-category":[],"squawka-category":[],"class_list":["post-1435775","features","type-features","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"external_featured_image_url":"","hide_featured_image_pattern":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.1 (Yoast SEO v27.1.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Nico O&#039;Reilly analysis: How physicality and 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