“He’s playing in the wrong place” – Guardiola’s use of Manchester City star criticised, should be starting deeper

Pep Guardiola is using Kevin de Bruyne ‘in the wrong place’ if he plays him as a false nine for Manchester City.

That’s according to former Dutch footballer Jan Mulder, who has questioned the logic in using the Belgian in a more advanced role.

De Bruyne was used as a false nine by Guardiola for Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final clash with Paris Saint Germain, which Manchester City came out of 2-1 winners.

The Belgian star got his name on the scoresheet in the clash, scoring the equaliser after Marquinhos had headed PSG in front early on.

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It was far from a vintage performances from the City talisman, though, who often looked out of place playing further forward, particularly in a poor first-half display from his side.

Things improved in the second half, helped largely by a much better showing from Manchester City in general, but for some, it was a clear indication that a forward role is not for De Bruyne long-term.

That is certainly Mulder’s view, who was not impressed with Guardiola’s decision to play his star man upfront.

“You can put him everywhere, up to and including in the goal,” Het Laatste Nieuws report him saying.

“But he’s playing in the wrong place. I don’t understand why Guardiola puts him in the forward position.

“Kevin will never be at the first post like a striker should. He is no Agüero. 

“I am an admirer of De Bruyne and Guardiola. But putting him in the forward position, I don’t understand.”