Marc Guéhi produced one of the biggest tactical surprises of Gameweek 1 after Enzo Maresca deployed the Manchester City defender in an unfamiliar defensive midfield role against Bournemouth. The decision immediately caught the attention of Fantasy Premier League managers, particularly because Guéhi was constantly involved in City’s attacking play before eventually scoring the equaliser. But does his new role make him an essential FPL pick?
Manchester City 2-1 Bournemouth: Match Summary
Manchester City endured a difficult afternoon at the Etihad before producing a dramatic late comeback to defeat Bournemouth 2-1 in Maresca’s first Premier League game in charge. The visitors took the lead in the 26th minute when Marcus Tavernier finished after Bournemouth exposed gaps in the City defence.
City struggled to turn their possession and attacking opportunities into goals, with Erling Haaland among those unable to find the breakthrough. Guéhi himself had a huge opportunity in the first half but failed to convert, adding to what initially looked like a frustrating afternoon for the defender.
However, he eventually redeemed himself in the 84th minute, rising highest to head home Rayan Cherki’s corner and bring City level. Josko Gvardiol then completed the comeback in stoppage time, finishing from close range after another Cherki delivery to secure a 2-1 victory.
While Gvardiol scored the winner, Guéhi’s tactical role was arguably the most intriguing FPL development of the match.
Guéhi’s Shock New Defensive Midfield Role
Seeing Guéhi operate as a defensive midfielder was certainly unexpected. The centre-back was not simply sitting deep and protecting the defence either. He played in a completely different style from what FPL managers normally associate with him.
Guéhi repeatedly pushed forward and positioned himself around the attacking third, becoming involved in several important Manchester City attacking sequences. At times, he was the player receiving the ball in advanced areas, while on other occasions he contributed crucial passes to help City progress attacks.
That attacking involvement eventually produced a goal, giving FPL managers an exciting glimpse of what Guéhi could potentially offer if Maresca continues using him in this position.
It also raises the possibility that the performance could encourage Maresca to use Guéhi more frequently as a midfielder.
However, there is one enormous problem: we simply do not know whether this role is permanent.
Why Guéhi’s Midfield Role Is Still Uncertain
Maresca’s decision was largely influenced by Manchester City’s current shortage of midfield options. The club have lost several important midfielders and entered the season without the depth Maresca ideally requires.
That situation is already changing.
Manchester City have agreed a deal worth up to €100m for Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, a player who primarily operates as a No. 6. City have also maintained interest in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, although Chelsea expect Fernández to stay after City did not meet their initial £120m asking price deadline.
If City add more midfielders before the transfer window closes, Guéhi may be required back in his natural defensive position.
That creates a major FPL warning.
The temptation is obvious: Guéhi is listed as a defender but could potentially play as a midfielder, meaning managers could theoretically benefit from a player receiving attacking opportunities while retaining defensive-player status.
But assuming that will regularly happen after just one match could be a major mistake.
Man City FPL Verdict: Is Guéhi Essential?
If you already own Guéhi, there is absolutely no reason to panic. He remains a quality player who can deliver FPL points from either side of the pitch. His defensive ability gives him a route to points through clean sheets and defensive contributions, while his unexpected midfield role could potentially create additional attacking returns.
However, do not transfer Guéhi into your FPL team solely because Maresca played him in midfield against Bournemouth.
That is the biggest lesson here.
If you already believe Guéhi is a top-quality FPL option and expect him to produce good returns, transferring him in can certainly be justified. But buying him specifically because you expect him to permanently play as a midfielder is extremely risky.
Manchester City’s midfield situation is changing rapidly, and Bouaddi’s arrival could significantly alter Maresca’s tactical options.
For now, Guéhi is a wait-and-see FPL asset rather than an essential pick if you don't own him.
One unexpected tactical experiment produced an excellent FPL opportunity, but managers need to see whether Maresca repeats it before making a major transfer. If Guéhi continues playing in midfield, his FPL appeal could skyrocket. If he returns to centre-back, managers who rushed to buy him because of his midfield role could quickly regret the decision.
