Manchester City’s bench players for the 2023/2024 season have largely been filled with a mix of young talents, squad rotation players, and experienced pros recovering from injuries. Below is a detailed description of some of these key bench players:
1. Rico Lewis (Right-Back/Defensive Midfielder)
Rico Lewis is one of Manchester City’s most exciting young talents. Despite his youth, he’s versatile, often playing as a right-back or as a defensive midfielder. Pep Guardiola has praised his intelligence and maturity on the ball. Lewis broke into the first team in 2022/2023 but still finds himself as a rotational option behind more established players like Kyle Walker.
Strengths: Excellent positional awareness, confident passing, and tactical versatility.
Role: Primarily used as a backup for defensive roles, Lewis is rotated in Premier League and domestic cup matches.
2. Kalvin Phillips (Defensive Midfielder)
Kalvin Phillips arrived from Leeds United in 2022 with high expectations, but his debut season was marred by injuries and competition from Rodri, City’s mainstay in the defensive midfield role. Phillips has been used sparingly but remains a trusted option for rotation, particularly in cup competitions and when resting key starters.
Strengths: Physical presence, ability to break up play, and range of passing.
Role: Backup to Rodri, Phillips provides depth in defensive midfield.
3. Sergio Gómez (Left-Back/Attacking Midfielder)
Initially brought in as a left-back in 2022, Sergio Gómez has been utilized more often in a midfield or wing-back role. The Spanish player is still adapting to Guardiola’s demanding system but has shown flashes of his attacking quality, especially when used in advanced positions.
Strengths: Good dribbler, solid in attacking transitions, and delivers dangerous crosses.
Role: Rotational left-back or attacking option, Gómez is often used in games where City dominate possession.
4. Matheus Nunes (Midfielder)
Matheus Nunes was a late transfer addition to Manchester City in the summer of 2023. Nunes is an attacking midfielder who excels in driving forward with the ball and breaking opposition lines. However, with City’s wealth of midfield options, including Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and Rodri, Nunes has often found himself on the bench.
Strengths: Ball-carrying ability, creativity, and work rate.
Role: Rotational midfielder, often coming off the bench to inject energy and creativity into City’s attack.
5. Nathan Aké (Center-Back/Left-Back)
Nathan Aké has been a reliable squad player for City, capable of playing both as a central defender and a left-back. While Aké was a regular starter for much of the 2022/2023 season, particularly in big matches, injuries and competition from other defenders like Josko Gvardiol and Manuel Akanji have seen him shifted to a rotational role.
Strengths: Aerial ability, calmness on the ball, and tactical intelligence.
Role: Versatile defender, often rotated depending on the team’s tactical setup and the fitness of other defenders.
6. Cole Palmer (Attacking Midfielder/Winger) – before transfer to Chelsea
Before his move to Chelsea, Cole Palmer was one of City’s most exciting young attacking talents. He regularly came off the bench to replace one of the forward players or operate as an attacking midfielder. His skillset made him a strong option for Guardiola, particularly in cup games and lesser Premier League fixtures.
Strengths: Technical ability, close control, and vision in the final third.
Role: Impact sub and rotational winger/attacking midfielder, Palmer was used to rest regular starters.
7. Stefan Ortega (Goalkeeper)
Stefan Ortega is Manchester City’s second-choice goalkeeper, brought in to provide reliable cover for Ederson. Though he rarely features in the Premier League, Ortega is the preferred option in domestic cup competitions and is trusted to step in whenever needed.
Strengths: Shot-stopping ability, composure with the ball at his feet, and quick reflexes.
Role: Backup goalkeeper, often used in cup competitions or to rest Ederson in less critical games.
8. Jérémy Doku (Winger)
Signed in the summer of 2023, Jérémy Doku has proven himself a capable winger with incredible pace and dribbling ability. While he is becoming more involved in first-team football, he started the season being rotated and often benched, as he adjusts to City’s tactical system under Guardiola.
Strengths: Electric pace, one-on-one dribbling, and creativity on the flanks.
Role: Rotational winger, typically coming on to add directness and attacking flair.
9. Manuel Akanji (Center-Back)
Manuel Akanji was a key defensive option for Manchester City last season, but with the arrival of Josko Gvardiol, he has seen his minutes slightly reduced. Akanji remains a vital part of the defensive rotation, often called upon in different roles due to his versatility.
Strengths: Strong physical presence, excellent reading of the game, and flexibility to play across the backline.
Role: Rotational defender, filling in at center-back or right-back depending on injuries or tactical needs.
These bench players play crucial roles in maintaining Manchester City’s depth across all competitions, ensuring that key starters remain fresh and injury-free as the season progresses.
