Strongest Manchester City Lineup For Next Season When Whole Squad Is Fit
Manchester City under Pep Guardiola were expected to scale great heights. However, things did not go as planned, for Guardiola in his first season in England.
While a third-place finish in the Premier League is not bad by any means, more was expected from Guardiola and his squad. However, now that he has had a year at the helm and knows things better and his players better, this could turn out be City’s season. He has also cleared out the players that don’t fit into his scheme of things and has brought in some very talented players in the summer already. And with more business expected until the end of the transfer window, the Citizens’ squad for the upcoming campaign, will be a much more stronger unit.
And here is how they might line up come next season, when all their players are fit.
Formation: 4-1-4-1
Manager: Pep Guardiola
Ederson Moraes (GK)
The world’s most expensive goalkeeper, Ederson, arrived at the Etihad last month. Having had a strong season with Benfica last season, he will surely be the No.1 choice ahead of Claudio Bravo.
Kyle Walker (RB)
The world’s most expensive defender, Walker too arrives on the back of a strong season with Tottenham, despite having lost his place in the side in the final few weeks. Expectations will be high, after the club shelled out huge money for him.
John Stones (CB)
The most expensive English defender until Walker was signed, Stones did not have the best of the first seasons with the Citizens. However, Guardiola trusts him and believes he can be a great player. He will have a huge role to play.
Vincent Kompany (CB)
Having spent a large part of the last season on the treatment tables, the captain returned to action towards the business end and the impact he made was for there to everyone to see. His presence will be extremely vital for Guardiola and City.
Aleksandar Kolarov (LB)
A position of concern for the club, City have been linked with a number of left-backs, but there has been no transfer made as of yet. While it is certain that a new face will definitely be coming in, as of now, Aleksandar Kolarov remains the only option in that spot.
Fernandinho (DM)
Easily one of the first names on the team sheet, the Brazilian is one of the finest defensive midfielders in the Premier League and enjoys the trust of the manager. He will be a constant fixture in the team.
Bernardo Silva (RW)
Another summer signing, the Portuguese international arrived from AS Monaco after a stellar campaign for the French champions. He is very much likely to edge out Raheem Sterling from the side on the right flank.
Kevin De Bruyne (CM)
The Citizens’ best player last season, De Bruyne drives them forward from the middle of the park, creates a horde of chances and scores in plenty as well. Easily one of the best attacking midfielders in the game currently, he is irremovable from the team.
David Silva (CM)
One of City’s most consistent and best players for a number of years now, David Silva is the man that keeps them ticking with his intelligence, amazing vision and range of distribution. While Ilkay Gundogan will offer competition when totally fit, expect Silva to be the first-choice.
Leroy Sane (LW)
The youngster started off slowly in his debut season but displayed the amazing levels of potential he has in him, as the season progressed. Expect him to make serious waves next season.
Sergio Aguero (ST)
Yes, Gabriel Jesus is immensely talented. Yes, he can grow into a great player, but City already have one of the best in Sergio Aguero and he should be the first choice when fit and firing.