straight to your inboxManchester City youngsters are being regularly challenged to play different systems in academy matches to try to prepare them as much as possible for first team football.
Fluid formations are a regular feature of Pep Guardiola teams, with the manager demanding tactical versatility in order to adapt to different in-game situations and also gain an advantage over opponents.
That idea is shared by Under-23s coach Enzo Maresca, who took over this summer following the departure of Paul Harsley from the role.
The former West Ham assistant has lost just two games this season, steering the Blues through their EFL Trophy group and most recently spanking Premier League 2 leaders Liverpool 7-2 to move to within two points of top.
Read more on manchestereveningnews.co.uk