25 City legends of Premier League era
THE TOP PLAYERS TO MAKE CUT FOR BLUES’ ULTIMATE SQUAD
WHEN asked to select the ultimate City squad of the Premier League era, there is a temptation to simply reply ‘Last season’s!’
But the fact that Pep Guardiola’s centurions were so stunning does not mean that there are ex-players who would not claim a place alongside the stars of today.
And there are others who deserve their place in the 25-man squad because their efforts were so important, in a different framework for the Blues – like Shaun Goater and Paul Dickov.
In choosing the ultimate 25-man Premier League squad, I have tipped my hat to players who made today’s fantasy outfit possible.
And I’ve left out some extremely good players, sometimes in the interests of squad balance. GOALKEEPERS Ederson The Brazilian is the perfect footballing fit for Pep Guardiola’s team and has shown he is a consummate shot-stopper as well. Tony Coton In a less successful era, Coton was a beacon of hope and a true City stalwart – always courageous and occasionally match-winning.
The only blot on his copybook is that he left to join United! Joe Hart The way his City career ended is no reflection on a keeper who is still loved by the fans. DEFENDERS Pablo Zabaleta The fact that he was a pre-takeover signing only enhances his achievement of becoming a key member of two title-winning teams. Kyle Walker People sniped and whinged when City paid £45m ‘for a full-back’ but he showed he is so much more by giving the Blues another dimension in attack. Benjamin Mendy Has only played a handful of games in a position which has long been difficult for the Blues but has quickly shown he has a big future. Aleks Kolarov Divided opinion, but the fact that he was rated – and played - by Mancini, Pellegrini AND Guardiola is no coincidence. Vincent Kompany First name on the list – a captain, leader, warrior, philosopher and adopted Mancunian who is perhaps the best-loved City player of all time. Nicolas Otamendi Unconvincing for so long, the Argentine blossomed under Guardiola and became a rock of the title win last season. Joleon Lescott Recently said that he ensured he was a regular by becoming the perfect fit with Kompany, but that was modest.
He was a physically dominant defender who played within his limitations and also a strong leader. Aymeric Laporte Early days in his City career, but is already showing why City paid, at the time, a club record fee for him. John Stones Another who is being judged a little early, but his quality on the ball is unquestionable and he is learning all the time as a defender – that has given him the edge over worthies like Richard Dunne and Sylvain Distin. MIDFIELDERS Yaya Toure Despite his agent sullying his City legacy, Toure remains one of City’s greatest all-time players. David Silva Viewed by many City fans as the Blues’ greatest-ever player, his influence cannot be underestimated – Toure and Aguero catch the eye more, but he has been consistently top-class for eight years. Kevin De Bruyne In three years he has proved to be world-class, standing out even in Pep Guardiola’s squad of superstars. Magnificent range of passing, creative genius and ultra-competitiveness all in one player. Georgi Kinkladze Few would suggest he would be a first pick in today’s team, but the thought of Kinkladze linking with today’s stars is drool-worthy. Paul Lake Many good judges reckon he would have been a City, and possibly England, all-time great. A player who could fill several positions – and a dyed-in-the-wool Blue, too! Fernandinho The unsung hero of City’s recent seasons, a box-to-box midfielder who has become the main cog in the City midfield since Yaya’s gradual decline. Gareth Barry Another unsung hero, a true workhorse but one with a sharp football brain and far more ability than many realise. FORWARDS Carlos Tevez His work ethic, ferocious attitude and quality would be adored by Pep, even if some aspects of his character would not. Sergio Aguero The highest goalscorer in City’s history, three league titles, and undoubtedly one of the three greatest players in City’s history. No debate. Raheem Sterling His displays last season, and his 23 goals, were proof of his effectiveness. Fast, strong and tricky, Sterling is rapidly evolving into a world-class star. Leroy Sane Another who is so young that selection is controversial, but you would have him in any City squad in history.
A world-beater on his day, and exhilarating to watch. Edin Dzeko Divides opinion but his goals, many of them off the bench, underline his value to any squad. Craig Bellamy Would struggle to get into today’s 18, but his determination and eye for goal were just what was needed at the time, and he edges out up-andcoming Gabriel Jesus and fan favourites like Dickov and Goater.