Fabian Delph is a player that has been largely forgotten by media and Manchester City supporters entering the 2016-17 season. But as his performance in the second half against Sunderland in the Premier League opener indicated, he’s very much in Pep Guardiola’s plans.
A versatile midfielder, Delph unlike so many other English players comes into the new season untainted by England’s Euro 2016 failure as he was one of the final cuts from the squad. Delph’s injury plagued 2015-16 season ultimately cost him the opportunity to represent the Three Lions in the Euros but that gave Delph a summer to get healthy and he’s stood out this preseason as a player who versatility could help the Blues late on in matches as a key reserve player.
Delph’s entrance to Sunderland match gave the Blues a quick passing and moving midfielder which helped link with the forward line and create more space for attackers in the final third. The winning goal was created largely because of runs and space Delph created and his movement influenced the own goal directly.
As the Blues enter European competition on Tuesday, keep an eye on Delph. He could have a key role to play as a supplementary player whose intangibles help get City over the top both in domestic and continental play.