How Many Current Man City Stars Would Make It Into The Clubs Best Ever XI
It is intriguing to ask the question, however, how many of Pep Guardiola's squad would make it into an all-time City XI. Kyle Walker and Fabian Delph have also been absolute top quality in their role as attacking full-backs. Memories of Tony Book, City's legendary captain in the 1967-70 trophy-winning side, match the exploits of Walker, while '70s stalwart Willie Donachie edges Delph and a number of other candidates on the left side. Who can deny the merits of the Nicolas Otamendi-Vincent Kompany tandem in the middle of defence,
Perhaps only legendary FA Cup-winning skipper Roy Paul plus '70s stoppers Mike Doyle and Dave Watson even come close. In midfield, Fernandinho has been a powerhouse in all directions. Any all-time team would have to be unbelievably strong to deny the claims of David Silva, Yaya Toure and De Bruyne himself.
City have been lucky enough to count some incredible midfield talents among their number, including Scottish stalwart Asa Hartford, the captain England never had Paul Lake, as well as the mercurial skills of Georgi Kinkladze and Ali Bernabia. Upfront, Sergio Aguero's record goal scorer tag makes him an obvious choice too, although England hero Francis Lee, Manchester icon Brian Kidd, whirling dervish Carlos Tevez and graceful scorer Neil Young might push him close.
As memories dissipate and only faded footage reminds us of the yesteryear skills of those that have gone before, the tendency is to laud the present-day heroes above the latter-day stars. The joy of building best-ever teams will occupy pub patrons, match-going fans and armchair viewers alike for many years to come.
What is clear in City's case is the team that broke so many records this season contains more quality spread from front to back than any that has gone before it. In the initial days of Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini, the stated aim was to build a squad that had strength in depth.
It was seen as an almost impossible task to have two equally talented players for each position. It may well be that this utopian dream has still not -- and may never be -- achieved. The nature of the very best players does not allow them to be content to sit idly by the wayside whilst a player of equal power and grace occupies his spot in the team.
This then is the embarrassment of riches open to Guardiola as he settles into a close season of planning and plotting. If he succeeds in upgrading the 2017-18 Manchester City vintage, he will have worked another minor miracle. All-time City team: Ederson; Book, Kompany, Doyle, Donachie; Bell, Silva, Toure, De Bruyne; Aguero, Lee.
Subs: Trautmann, Watson, Tueart, Tevez, Fernandinho, Kinkladze. Simon is one of ESPN FC's Manchester City bloggers. Use a Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your Facebook name, photo & other personal information you make public on Facebook will appear with your comment, and may be used on ESPN's media platforms.
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