Stiepermann is up to Premier task for City

Marco Stiepermann can be Daniel Farke’s special agent as the City boss plots a way out of troubled Premier League waters.

Stiepermann has yet to score this season - a problem accepted by both player and manager.

But Farke insists the German has some 'special skills'.

"In his position it's a bit more difficult to shine like in the Championship where we found it easier to dominate possession in each every game," said Farke.

"When you face sides like Liverpool, City or even West Ham it's a different game. I know that he has to step up a bit because in this position you are always judged by goals and by assists and he knows that he has to step up in this area.

"If I'm honest he was pretty often there making the second or third last pass and in many games for example. In the Man City game he showed his experience and his tactical understanding.

"It was important he took Rodri completely out of this game.

"So I think when I need a special tactical task he always fulfils my wishes."

It's been a case of so near yet so far for Stiepermann in front of goal, and Farke says he is not far away from a breakthrough.

"Crystal Palace was perhaps one of his best games during the season so far," he said. "He was involved in nearly each and every of our chances and of course, he would be annoyed that he had two shooting positions and didn't use at least one of those.

"When you watch our chances he was always involved and when I substituted him we struggled to create chances.

"My feeling is he needs to step up a bit in terms of scoring goals and creating assists but he's not far away from shining like he like he was in the Championship. "I'm pleased with his workload and tactical behaviour and if he can add some goals and finishing passes then we are all happy."