Manchester City beat FC Copenhagen 3-1 last night in the first leg of the Champions League last 16 tie – and Thierry Henry talked up two players ahead of the game.
Pep Guardiola‘s side are in a great position to advance to the quarter-finals once again, after putting in a fine display against the Danish outfit.
City took the lead through Kevin De Bruyne, before Copenhagen hit an equaliser completely against the run of play after a poor pass from Ederson.
Bernardo Silva scored a lovely goal just before half-time, and then Phil Foden grabbed a big goal for City right at the death.
It was a very good performance from City, who were in complete control throughout.
Ahead of the game, legendary former striker Henry focused on two City players…
Thierry Henry names the two Manchester City players more important than Erling Haaland
The CBS Golazo team were talking about the impact of Haaland for City, following his return to goalscoring form at the weekend against Everton.
But in the eyes of Henry, City have a couple of players who are more important than the Norwegian sensation.
He said: “I am going to talk about the MIP. The most important player of Man City by a distance. Kevin De Bruyne, since he came back he has done exactly what he usually has. I love it when a number 10 gives the ball straight away to the striker, don’t run with it.
“He is the most important player in that team, alongside Rodri.”
De Bruyne went on to have a huge impact last night against Copenhagen.
He opened the scoring, and then laid on assists for both Bernardo and Foden, although his first was slightly fortuitous.
Rodri also had a fine game and just dominated the ball in midfield, leaving Rio Ferdinand extremely impressed.
Henry is right
It is hard to argue with Henry here.
Haaland is obviously an elite goalscorer and one of the very best at what he does in the game today.
But we’ve seen City cope without him. When he was out injured earlier this season, it actually did not impact the team too much with Julian Alvarez able to step in up top.
And obviously before Haaland arrived at the club, City had no issues scoring goals.
But we’ve seen City struggle this season when Rodri – unbeaten for over a year now in a City shirt – has not played, with the Spaniard simply so good at providing that control of games.
Then there is De Bruyne, who can play passes that no one else can, and he is often the only City player who will take risks.
