Premier League giants Manchester City are undoubtedly one of the biggest teams in the continent. The fact that world-beating manager Pep Guardiola is still in charge at the Etihad Stadium highlights the potential that he sees in the squad. Although last season was arguably one to forget from the Manchester City perspective, they went on to make some key summer signings in an attempt to plug the gaps. Those gaps, however, have seemingly reappeared this season as well, and the gaffer has quite the task on his hands to bring City back to their former glory.
The Citizens’ ambitions of winning the Champions League has been no secret, and despite having been at the club for many years now, the manager’s hope remains a dream. Their apparent inability to find consistency in the European competitions has hurt them on numerous occasions, and Guardiola could look to change that this time around. Despite their unbelievably strong squad, at least on paper, not everything has gone their way this season. Currently in 12th place owing to a poor start to the Premier League, the Manchester club have it all to do to secure a trophy at the end of the current campaign.
Here Is The Best XI Guardiola Can Deploy For Manchester City This Season:
Best XI Guardiola Can Deploy For Manchester City This Season
GK – Ederson
The Brazilian ace has been a revelation since making the switch to England, and his place in the side has never really come under scrutiny. Although he isn’t the greatest shot-stopper in the world by any stretch, he could easily be considered Manuel Neuer’s successor as the best sweeper-keeper in the world.
RB – Kyle Walker
The English international’s has consistently been one of City’s best players over the last few seasons, and the sheer attacking penetration and drive that he offers cannot be underplayed. Arguably the quickest player in the City back-line, the former Spurs man’s defending isn’t all that bad either.
CB – Aymeric Laporte
The French international, upon arriving at Man City, immediately announced himself as the best centre-half option they had. Despite some good signs initially, injuries have since heavily hindered his progress. With time to regain fitness and a regular place in the team, Laporte will eventually become world-class.
CB – Ruben Dias
The Portuguese international has done an excellent job in the heart of the defence for Manchester City since coming into the team this season. He offers a dominant aerial presence in the box, while also being capable of reading the play and making key interceptions when pressured by the opposition.
LB – Benjamin Mendy
Although the 26-year-old hasn’t had too much of an impact in attack this season, there’s no denying the fact that he’s their best left-back option. The other choice that Guardiola has in this position is Oleksandr Zinchenko. Mendy is adept at getting forward and playing crosses into the box and tends to defend well too.
CM – Rodri
The Spanish international is one of the best holding midfielders in the entirety of the Premier League. Not only is he good at sitting in front of the back-line and offering protection, but he often links up with the attackers to create good situations as well. A definite starter for Guardiola when fit.
CM – Bernardo Silva
As good as Fernandinho has been for Manchester City over the years, Silva’s creativity in the final third isn’t appreciated enough by City fans. The Portuguese international has a brilliant passing radar, while he often pitches in with important contributions in the final third of the pitch too.
CM – Kevin De Bruyne
The Belgian superstar is the one player in this City team whose place in the side needn’t be questioned at all. Over the last many years, the former Chelsea man has shown the Premier League just what he’s all about. With amazing talents across various attributes, the multi-talented midfielder is a shoo-in.
RW – Raheem Sterling
Although the Englishman’s early days at Liverpool showed him as an unpolished gem, Pep Guardiola has successfully managed to scrape off all the bad bits. Sterling is now undoubtedly the Citizens’ biggest attacking threat, in that he’s capable of setting teammates up or scoring goals himself.
ST – Sergio Aguero
The Argentine veteran has been one of the greatest strikers in the history of the Premier League. His influence on this Manchester City team’s success simply cannot be underplayed, while the goals he’s scored are of utmost prominence as well. Despite Jesus’ presence, Aguero must be included in the starting eleven.
LW – Ferran Torres
Another one of the summer signings that Manchester City made, the Spanish speedster has been unbelievably good since coming into the first-team picture. Not only is he an excellent dribbler of the ball, but his general play and sheer pace make him among the deadliest weapons in the Citizens’ roster.
