The composure and leadership of a Manchester City centre-back could be crucial for Enzo Maresca

The composure and leadership of a Manchester City centre-back could be crucial for Enzo Maresca Manchester City signed Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace during the January transfer window. Guehi made an immediate impact for Pep Guardiola’s side last season and quickly established himself as a valuable piece of Manchester City’s defence. Marc Guehi was a late arrival for Manchester City’s preseason after his efforts for England at this summer’s World Cup. Heading into the 2026-27 season, Guehi’s leadership and composure loom as important components of Enzo Maresca’s side. Marc Guehi will be crucial for Manchester City as his presence at the back looms as a vital component of Enzo Maresca’s side. It isn’t a stretch to say barely any Manchester City players covered themselves in glory against Arsenal in City’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the FA Community Shield. Enzo Maresca’s side looked short of a gallop against an Arsenal side that looked determined to send a message. Marc Guehi came on for 37 minutes in the second half and he was by far and away City’s best performing defender on the day. Guehi’s performance against Arsenal isn’t the reason why he will be so important for Enzo Maresca. It was just further proof of this. Marc Guehi is a leader as he was Crystal Palace’s captain before he signed for Manchester City. City do need new leaders to emerge in the Enzo Maresca era. Guehi should be one of those despite the fact he has only been at City for less than a year. Marc Guehi isn’t a demonstrative figure like Ruben Dias but his quiet manner of leadership should be important to his team. At the back, and on the ball, Guehi offers the composure that Manchester City need. Abdukodir Khusanov is a better player with Guehi alongside him. The England international is a calming influence in Manchester City’s defence. That will be a quality that Enzo Maresca will need to tap into. If you were drawing up Manchester City’s best defence, Marc Guehi should be starting in it. Final thoughts. Marc Guehi offers attributes that the Manchester City defence. He is a proven quality centre-back and his composure and leadership will be vital for his team. Guehi looms as a crucial component of Enzo Maresca’s side and it is likely that will start to reveal itself as soon as the 2026-27 season begins.