The debate over Manchester City’s best starting XI continues to heat up as fans weigh in with their opinions ahead of the team’s return to Premier League action this weekend against Wolves. So far, City’s international players have managed to avoid injuries, with those representing England getting a week to rest and recover after Sunday’s game. Pep Guardiola will be hoping for a fully fit squad as City look to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.
Despite the strong start, fans and pundits alike are still discussing what City’s strongest line-up should look like. After our City writers shared their views, readers of MEN responded with their own thoughts. Here’s a selection of fan comments on the Blues’ best XI.
Billyg1511 voiced his opinion on the right-back situation, stating: “For those doubting him, I’d say Rico is a better full-back than the ridiculously overrated Trent Alexander-Arnold. I think we all agree, though, that it’s time to move on from Walker, good as he’s been, and buy a decent, established right-back.”
Billyg1511 also raised concerns about the future of some key players, adding, “Hopefully, Pep will stay on and rebuild with a few younger players. KDB, Gundo, Walker are all getting older, maybe even Stones could be in that category. It also bothers me that Haaland, Bernardo, and Ederson are linked with leaving, and Rodri recovering in Madrid might tempt him to stay there permanently, especially with Real Madrid showing interest, particularly if Pep leaves.”
As for Jack Grealish, he wasn’t spared criticism: “I’d get what we can for him and invest it in someone else. He just doesn’t deliver enough end product.”
Lazerblue chimed in with thoughts on two veteran players: “We haven’t seen the best of Walker or Gundogan this season, and unfortunately, both are now 33 and 34. As poor as Walker has been, he’d still be a better choice at right-back than Lewis, who I believe is more suited to central midfield. Sadly, Lewis just isn’t defensively sound at RB.”
Lazerblue also had a take on Phil Foden’s recent form: “Foden wasn’t great for England at the Euros, and for some reason, hasn’t been able to show his best this season either. My best XI would be: Ederson, Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, Kovacic, Bernardo, Doku, Foden, Haaland, and Savinho.”
Mancityboy echoed some of the concerns about Rico Lewis in defense: “Lewis is an excellent midfielder, but his defensive qualities are poor. While he’s often referred to as an ‘inverted midfielder’ when playing at full-back, defending is still crucial. The answer would be to play Walker over Lewis or commit fully to a three-man defense with Lewis in midfield.”
With so many different views on what City’s strongest line-up should look like, it’s clear the debate is far from settled, and Guardiola will have some big decisions to make as the season progresses.
