Morphing midfielders into full backs ought to come as no great surprise at Manchester City these days yet Pep Guardiola’s latest idea in that area of the pitch, vocalised last Christmas, prompted quite a bit of chatter among coaching staff.
Nico O’Reilly was the academy superstar who had scored a scorpion kick and 40-yard lob within the space of a week, an Under 18s captain who had won consecutive league titles and was renowned for his flair and ability to pull off the spectacular. He played one season as a lone striker.