Inside Guardiola’s Manchester City: A Tactical Breakdown of Dynamic Build-Up Structures at the Club World Cup
Jul 2, 2025
At the FIFA Club World Cup, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City once again proved why they are one of the most tactically innovative teams in modern football. With a rejuvenated squad and a familiar core of leaders, City showcased an extraordinary ability to adapt and evolve their build-up structures depending on opposition strategy and match context.
Using Metrica Nexus, we analyzed key patterns and structural transitions that define City’s dynamic approach — where positional play meets tactical fluidity.
🧠 Tactical Context:
City’s tactical identity remains rooted in positional play, but Guardiola’s latest iteration adds a dynamic edge — continuously adjusting based on opposition structure and pressure. The introduction of players like Reijnders, Aït-Nouri, Cherki, Marmoush, and Etcheverry has infused the system with new movement patterns, technical variation, and decision-making layers. All while veterans Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Haaland maintain the spine of experience and control.
🔍 Key Build-Up Structures Identified:
🧤 Goalkeeper Build-Up Structures
3+2 GK Build-Up with Reijnders providing inside and outside progression via third-man combinations
Direct Vertical Play from Ederson targeting Haaland, notably effective against Juventus’ man-to-man pressing
⚽ Dynamic Build-Up Variations
2+3 Build-Up with full-backs moving inside
2+3 → 2+4 Transition featuring Cherki’s runs in behind
3+2 → 3+3 Adjustments, depending on central overloads
3+3 → 4+2 Shifts, creating deeper ball circulation options
Vertical 3rd-man Combinations to bypass man-marking systems
🧑💻 Video made with Metrica Nexus by Nicholas Lazzari
🎥 Built with Metrica Nexus:
All tactical visualizations were created using Metrica Nexus, the all-in-one platform for professional video and data analysis. Nexus empowers analysts and coaches to break down complex tactical systems, tag key moments live or post-match, and share insights seamlessly with players and staff.
Try Metrica Nexus:
Whether you’re working at the top level or developing future talent, Metrica Nexus is the essential tool for your workflow.
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