Manchester City are enjoying another fantastic season which has the potential to be historic.
Pep Guardiola’s side have already won the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup but can still add three more trophies to the cabinet.
A back-to-back treble would be unprecedented and is extremely difficult, given Manchester City have Real Madrid next in the Champions League and Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final.
But only a fool would rule the possibility out completely. Here is how the players have rated this season so far.
Goalkeepers
Ederson – 7
His costly foul against Liverpool, which gave away a penalty and got himself hurt, aside, Ederson has kept his levels high this season. Has conceded just 31 goals in 36 games.
Stefan Ortega – 6
Has yet to let City down when called upon 11 times so far this campaign. Did really well when replacing Ederson at Anfield.
Defenders
Kyle Walker – 6
After losing his place last season and doubting his future at the club, Kyle Walker has once again asserted himself as a guaranteed starter. The captain still hasn’t lost a yard of pace and has been very good in both directions.
Ruben Dias – 7
Caught out for pace on a couple of occasions but remains a rock at the back and a strong leader.
John Stones – 8
Other than Rodri, perhaps the most crucial player in making City tick on the pitch. John Stones’ ability to dominate midfield as well as defence allows City to get the best out of Erling Haaland and he is deeply missed when injured. But when on the field he’s been consistently superb.
Nathan Ake – 7
Nathan Ake has had a couple of difficult moments, like getting ripped to shreds by Pedro Neto and playing a soft backpass to Ederson leading to the Liverpool penalty – but has otherwise continued to be excellent at the back.
Manuel Akanji – 7
Continues to be dependable in defence and his ability to play on either flank or centrally is really useful for Guardiola.
Josko Gvardiol – 6
It’s been a challenge at times for City’s big-money summer signing as he has been tasked with playing left-back, a position he abandoned at RB Leipzig after a handful of tries three years earlier. Strangely, Josko Gvardiol hasn’t really had a chance at his natural centre-back position but his pace is proving useful on the flank.
Rico Lewis – 5
After bursting onto the scene last season and immediately wowing with his intelligence at such a young age, Rico Lewis has cooled off this year. The versatile defender has made just four games in 2024 and is in danger of stagnating.
Sergio Gomez – 4
Has played just 419 minutes and made little impact in his few cameos.
Midfielders
Mateo Kovacic – 6
A smart signing at a decent price from Chelsea but Mateo Kovacic has been unable to live up anywhere close to the man he replaced, Ilkay Gundogan. The Croatian has done little of note but did show signs of promise by taking the sting out of the game against Liverpool recently.
Matheus Nunes – 5
Matheus Nunes looked lively in his first few games for City but chances have been hard to come by of late. The Portuguese has started just three league games in 2024 and is clearly not in the manager’s strongest side. Has shown promise as a winger but has yet to really deliver.
Kalvin Phillips – 2
It’s been another disastrous campaign for Kalvin Phillips, who looks highly unlikely to play for City again. He hardly did in his first 18 months since signing, anyway, and did not even start in the league when Rodri was suspended. Phillips joined West Ham on loan in January but his struggles have continued in London.
Rodri – 9
What words are left to describe how important Rodri is to the team? Not many but the fact he has now gone over a year and 60 matches without tasting defeat says it all. City lost all four games without the Spaniard this season, too. With seven goals and 11 assists to his name as well, Rodri is adding yet more useful skills to his game. Only his foolish red card against Nottingham Forest stops him from getting a 10.
Kevin De Bruyne – 7
Despite missing the vast majority of the season with injury, Kevin De Bruyne has been sublime. The brilliant Belgian is clearly looking to make up for lost time and has already got 13 assists in just 12 games since returning. De Bruyne is currently nursing a knock but hopefully, he’s back soon to get his rating even higher.
Bernardo Silva – 8
Mr. Reliable. Bernardo Silva signed a new contract in the summer and it couldn’t have been better news for City. Whether it’s out wide, in the middle or defensive midfield, Bernardo continues to be steadily excellent and a crucial cog in the machine.
Oscar Bobb – 6
Youngster Oscar Bobb has enjoyed a breakout season in the first team and has impressed with several composed performances. He hasn’t got a regular starting spot yet but has played 20 times and got two goals. His efforts have already been awarded with a new contract until 2029.
Forwards
Erling Haaland – 8
It seems ludicrous to rate a player with 29 goals already anything less than a 10 but Erling Haaland hasn’t been firing on all cylinders. Especially since his first major injury since joining City. The Norwegian is still scoring loads but not at the same rate as last year and has missed some absolute howlers. Room to improve.
Phil Foden – 9
Aside from the incredible Rodri, Phil Foden has been City’s player of the season. The ‘Stockport Iniesta’ stepped up to the plate when both Haaland and De Bruyne were out injured and has scored some massive, match-winning goals. With 28 goal contributions, he has already set his best-ever tally and that’s only going to go up.
Jack Grealish – 5
It’s not been Jack Grealish’s year so far. Forced out of the side and now waylaid by injuries, even Guardiola has admitted he’s not been at the level of last season. Yet, City really need his qualities for the upcoming Champions League clash with Real Madrid. If he’s fit, it would be a great chance to turn his fortunes around.
Julian Alvarez – 7.5
Might not be offering as much in recent weeks but deserves a lot of credit for how he started the season. Julian Alvarez was City’s best player in the opening stages and ensured De Bruyne wasn’t heavily missed. Already has a massive 16 goals and 13 assists.
Jeremy Doku – 6.5
Jeremy Doku made a lightning start to life at City and became a hit amongst the fans for his thrilling skill and boundless pace. The Belgian quickly racked up nine goal contributions but hasn’t scored or assisted in the league or Europe since November. Still a threat but fades out of games.
