Nico González
NEW
Center Midfielder
Ball-Winning Midfielder
Jan 3, 2002 (24)
Right
6'2"
194 lb
Full match contribution
Gonzalez registered two tackles (two won), three clearances and two interceptions in Sunday's 2-0 win against Crystal Palace. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 36th minute.
Analysis: Gonzalez played the full 90 minutes Sunday, completing three dribbles while adding two interceptions and winning two tackles. He has shown steady improvement in recent weeks, though his overall production has remained fairly modest. Across his last three Premier League starts, he has recorded one assist, six key passes, three successful dribbles and seven tackles won, providing a consistent all-around presence in midfield.
Two shots in home defeat
Nico Gonzalez recorded two shots (zero on goal) in Saturday's 1-0 defeat versus Aston Villa. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 53rd minute.
Analysis: Nico Gonzalez was unable to find the target with two shots as Newcastle fell to a 1-0 home loss against Aston Villa. The midfielder has recorded just one assist this season but picked up his second yellow card of the season in this game. He took two shots in this game but hadn't taken a shot in any other match this season and conceded three fouls.
Assists in Monday's loss
Gonzalez assisted once to go with zero corners and six chances created in Monday's 4-1 loss to Coventry City.
Analysis: Gonzalez recorded his first goal contribution of the season Monday as he assisted Sven Botman's goal in the 70th minute. It was one of an impressive six chances he created in the match. He also won three tackles and intercepted one pass on the defensive end, but he and his teammates were completely overrun on that end of the pitch.
Clears protocols Tuesday
Gonzalez (concussion) was spotted in full team training Tuesday, clearing the protocols and should be fine to return in the starting XI for the Coventry clash on Oct. 12, according to Mark Douglas of iNews.
Analysis: Gonzalez had missed the match against Hull City while progressing through concussion protocol after being forced off against Leeds United, with Sean Steur stepping into the lineup during his absence. His return to full training now confirms he has cleared protocol, positioning him to reclaim his spot in Newcastle's midfield against Coventry once the Premier League resumes.
Sidelined by concussion protocol
Gonzalez (concussion) has been ruled out of Saturday's clash against Hull City as Newcastle follows the league's concussion protocols, according to coach Matthias Jaissle. "Nico was unlucky, we have the responsibility to follow league protocols, he is missing Saturday's match"
Analysis: Gonzalez was forced off in the 20th minute against Leeds United after sustaining a head injury early in the contest and will now miss Saturday's match as he progresses through concussion protocol. The midfielder had been an important part of Newcastle's starting XI before the setback, and Sean Steur, who replaced him against Leeds, should be among the leading options to step into the lineup against Hull City.
Exits with possible concussion
Gonzalez was subbed off in the 20th minute of Monday's game against Leeds United due to a head injury sustained earlier in the contest.
Analysis: Gonzalez sustained the initial injury in the fifth minute, and although he tried to continue, he was ultimately subbed off and replaced by Sean Steur. Further tests will be needed to see whether Gonzalez misses time if it's ruled a concussion. Steur and Jacob Ramsey would be the likely options to come into the XI for Saturday's game against Hull.
One chance created in draw
Gonzalez recorded no stats in Saturday's 2-2 draw against AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Gonzalez played 77 minutes as part of Newcastle's defensive midfield before being replaced by Sean Steur, registering zero clearances and zero tackles in what was a difficult afternoon against Bournemouth's pressing structure. He was unable to provide the defensive cover Newcastle needed in a first half where Bournemouth dominated and scored twice, and was replaced as manager Jaissle sought more defensive solidity in the final stages. Gonzalez has started two of Newcastle's three Premier League fixtures, contributing three chances created, one interception and one block.
Signs with Newcastle
Gonzalez has completed a transfer to Newcastle from Manchester City, according to his new club.
Analysis: Gonzalez has been in transfer rumors for the past few weeks and is on his way out of City after two seasons, joining Newcastle as he remains in the Premier League. This comes as a solid signing for Newcastle, with Gonzalez showing some great flashes of play with City filling in for Rodri after his ACL injury. He will add some competition for minutes in the midfield as he should fight for a starting role. He will play more of a deep-lying role, so his defensive work rates will likely be higher than any attacking output.
Rotational role in midfield
Gonzalez has been on the bench in each of the last five matches and appears to have settled into a rotational role in midfield.
Analysis: Gonzalez continues to operate as a depth option in midfield, offering physicality, composure and ball retention when called upon. However, his role has shifted since Rodri's return from injury, with Gonzalez now mainly featuring off the bench or in rotation rather than as a regular starter, having been on the bench in each of the last five matches while playing just 44 minutes. He has logged 32 appearances across all competitions this season, including 15 starts in the Premier League, recording one goal and limited attacking output while focusing primarily on his defensive duties.
Starts on bench
Gonzalez (undisclosed) is on the bench for Wednesday's match against Galatasaray.
Analysis: Gonzalez was a late call for Wednesday but appears to have passed his testing, with the midfielder earning a spot on the bench. After the return of Rodri, Gonzalez's time will take a hit, set for more of a rotational option.
Late call against Galatasaray
Gonzalez (undisclosed) will be a late fitness call after the final training session ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash against Galatasaray, coach Pep Guardiola said in the press conference, according to City Xtra. "Today is the last training [session before the game], we'll assess today."
Analysis: Gonzalez missed the last three games across all competitions due to undisclosed reasons and will be a late call after the final training session ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash against Galatasaray. The club will hope to see his midfielder fit since he is the main option to replace Rodri (suspension) in the defensive midfield against the lions. If he had to miss another game, Tijjani Reijnders will likely play as a number six for the Citizens on Wednesday.
Remains out Saturday
Gonzalez (undisclosed) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Wolves.
Analysis: Gonzalez remains unavailable for Saturday's clash against Wolves after missing the last two matches across all competitions due to an undisclosed issue. The midfielder is not cleared in time and sits out a third consecutive match. With Rodri suspended in the Champions League, the club likely continues to prioritize Gonzalez's recovery ahead of Wednesday's clash against Galatasaray.
Unlikely to play Saturday
Gonzalez (undisclosed) is unlikely to be available for Saturday's clash against Wolves, coach Pep Guardiola said in the press conference. "Nico, I don't think [he will play]."
Analysis: Gonzalez missed the last two games across all competitions due to an undisclosed issue and remains a big doubt for Saturday's clash against Wolves. The midfielder will likely miss a third game for the Citizens except if he can quickly recover ahead of the game. That said, with the recent suspension of Rodri in the Champions League, the staff will likely no risk him agaisnt the Wolves in order to let him recover for Wednesday's Champions League clash against Galatasaray for the last match of the league phase.
Out for Manchester derby
Gonzalez (undisclosed) is ruled out for Saturday's derby against Manchester United.
Analysis: Gonzalez is ruled out of Saturday's Manchester derby after failing to recover fully from an undisclosed injury. Although he returned to training Friday, he does not pass late fitness testing after missing the previous match and the midweek FA Cup fixture due to a knock. His absence is unlikely to impact much the starting XI since Rodri is the undisputed starter in the defensive midfield when fit and available.
Late call to face United
Gonzalez (undisclosed) is questionable for Saturday's match against Manchester United, according to manager Pep Guardiola. "We will see how he [Nico] is this afternoon in training."
Analysis: Gonzalez looks to be set for some testing heading into Saturday's contest, as he is now a late call after he was back in training Friday. This is after missing their last with an undisclosed injury, with a knock being too much for a midweek FA Cup match. The question is whether he will start or be on the bench if an option Saturday, a starter in recent weeks, but likely to get relegated to a bench role after the return of Rodri.
Out Tuesday with knock
Gonzalez missed Tuesday's EFL Cup matchup against Newcastle due to an issue that manager Pep Guardiola has described as an "incredible knock", Simon Bajkowski of the Manchester Evening News reports.
Analysis: Gonzalez's availability for the upcoming Manchester derby in league play will likely be a late decision, with the midfielder still working on his recovery. He previously dealt with a minor calf issue, but he has made 14 starts since November. The current options to feature in Gonzalez's place are Rodri and Nico O'Reilly.
Starting in return
Gonzalez (calf) is in the starting XI for Wednesday's match against Brighton.
Analysis: Gonzalez is back from his injury after he was expected to be an option, with the midfielder not just fit but in the starting XI immediately. He continues to serve in the midfield for the club in place of a recovering Rodri, although with Rodri now fit from the bench, Gonzalez could see the end of his starting time soon.
Available against Brighton
Gonzalez (calf) is doing fine and is an option for Wednesday's clash against Brighton, coach Pep Guardiola said in the press conference. "He's fine."
Analysis: Gonzalez missed the last game due to a calf injury but is doing fine and is back available for Wednesday's clash against Brighton. The midfielder has been an undisputed starter this season in the heart of the game, but with the return of Rodri, it remains to be seen what role he will hold for the Citizens.
Left off team sheet
Gonzalez (calf) is out for Sunday's match against Chelsea.
Analysis: Gonzalez is not in the call after a calf issue took him out of the last match, his first absence all season. Luckily for the club, they have recovered Rodri, gaining back their main anchor in the midfield. Even once Gonzalez returns, he could be stuck in a bench role once again after the return of Rodri.
Status for Sunday undetermined
Gonzalez (calf) is questionable for Sunday's match against Chelsea, according to manager Pep Guardiola. "In this period, to have two games away is so demanding. You know, Christmas times always happen, and it has been a tough two games at Nottingham Forest and [at Sunderland], so yeah, we have to see. I will talk with the doctors, with the physios, and we will see."
Analysis: Gonzalez was taken off at halftime Thursday due to a potential injury, and his status is still up in the air, with the midfielder's health not clearly noted. This is a major question mark for Sunday's match, as following the return of Rodri, both will be questionable to see the start in the anchor role for the club. If he is unable to play, Rodri is unlikely to receive a full 90 minutes, with Rico Lewis potentially seeing some time in the midfield role.
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