Kevin De Bruyne to Raheem Sterling… here’s how Pep Guardiola’s title-winning Manchester City squad graded
SunSport rates every players contribution over the campaign for the all-conquering Etihad outfit
MANCHESTER CITY were crowned Premier League champions on Sunday.
Man United's defeat to West Brom at Old Trafford ensured that Pep Guardiola's side could no longer be caught.
SunSport's Martin Blackburn has been covering the club throughout the campaign.
And here's how he has rated each member of the title-winning squad:
Ederson Moraes 9
What a difference the Brazilian has made to this side since replacing Claudio Bravo. His ice-cool temperament has spread throughout the suad and his footwork makes him perfect for a Pep Guardiola team. One off day at Liverpool but otherwise an excellent season.
Kyle Walker 8
Guardiola persevered with his ageing full-backs last season and Walker has really shown what they were missing. His pace and power down the right flank have given support to Raheem Sterling and allowed City to stretch their opponents time and again.
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Benjamin Mendy 6
Such a shame he was injured just when he was starting to show what he can do. But what an addition he will be when he finally recovers from his cruciate knee injury. Has taken on the role as City’s most enthusiastic cheer leader.
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Danilo 6
Wants to play right-back but has struggled due to Walker’s superb form. Does not look comfortable on the other flank but has done a job filling in there in the absence of Mendy. An odd moment to remember such as his stunning goal at Burnley.
Fabian Delph 7
Who would have thought the experienced midfielder would end the campaign as an out-and-out left-back. Guardiola always felt he could convert the former Aston Villa man and he has done it successfully. Likely to be back up to Mendy next season.
Alex Zinchenko 6
Did not expect to feature much after an unsuccessful loan spell at PSV last week but the Ukrainian is another who has deputised at left-back and done an important job for his manager. You’ll hear a lot more of this assured youngster in the years ahead.
Vincent Kompany 7
Once again, the skipper has missed much of the first half of the season through injury. But when he returned, he reminded everyone of his quality and showed why he is such a key figure for this club on and off the pitch. Let’s hope his career can have the fitting end it deserves in the next couple of years.
Nicolas Otamendi 8
What a turnaround it has been for the man City fans call ‘the General’. Looked a liability in his first season at the Etihad but Pep has taught him to stay on his feet and transformed him into a cornerstone of his defence. His goal to win the derby at Old Trafford was a pivotal moment.
John Stones 6
An odd and slightly worrying season for the England centre back going into the World Cup. He was top class for the first few months of the season - until he was injured at Leicester in mid November. Since returning he has really struggled, lost his assurance and effectively his place in the team. Guardiola will persevere with him though.
Aymeric Laporte 6
Record signing arrived in January and provided the reinforcements that Guardiola needed with a busy schedule. Looks like he is Pep’s kind of player, elegant and calm on the ball. Also operated as a makeshift left-back which is another help.
Fernandinho 9
The manager summed up how highly he thinks of the Brazilian last month when he said none of their success would have been possible without him. Provides the defence with cover but also has an amazing engine on him. No surprise he was given a new contract earlier this season.
Ilkay Gundogan 7
Great to see him put his injury woes behind him and show the quality which we first saw during his time at Dortmund. So comfortable on the ball as he proved when he broke the record for most touches in a Premier League game during the win over Chelsea in March.
David Silva 9
Sensational. Had to deal with the premature birth of his baby son in December but still dashed back from Spain to turn in magical performances. Him and Guardiola are a perfect match and the man they call ‘Merlin’ has a case for being City’s greatest ever player.
Bernardo Silva 6
Has not played as often as many expected following his £43 million move from Monaco last summer - but has still made a contribution with some important goals such as the winner against Chelsea. The Portuguese has a delightful touch and expect him to flourish under Pep next season.
Kevin de Bruyne 10
The stand out performer in an outstanding season. The Belgian has been pivotal to everything City have done this year - and it would be fitting if he is named the Premier League’s Player of the Year. So many superb displays but the one against Stoke at home will live long in the memory.
Leroy Sane 8
What a talent the German flyer is. Probably has too many off days for Guardiola’s liking but when he’s on song it’s a joy to watch him. Has struck up a real understanding with Sterling on and off the pitch and his tricks have regularly had the City fans off their seats.
Raheem Sterling 8
His best ever season in terms of goals and performances and when he plays like this it is no surprise to see him linked with Real Madrid. Has worked hard on his finishing under Pep and it has paid dividends but his all round game has also come on in leaps and bounds.
Sergio Aguero 9
A season when he became City’s all-time leading goalscorer and yet another when he reached 30 goals. You run out of things to say about this master of his craft - and Pep has added a real work-rate to his game. The Argentine is going nowhere if he carries on like this.
Gabriel Jesus 7
We all know he has the talent but it has been a frustrating campaign for the Brazilian youngster, who turned 21 this month. Was going through a goal drought when he got injured on New Year’s Eve and is only just now getting back to full fitness.
Yaya Toure 6
Signed the extra year last summer but must wonder if he made the right decision as his opportunities have been few and far between and his complex relationship with Guardiola goes on. This last 12 months should not overshadow his huge contribution to City though.
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