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Manchester City vs. Barcelona: Combined Starting XI

By Cody Griffin

BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 18: Josep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City speaks to the media during the Manchester City Press Conference at Camp Nou on October 18, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 18: Josep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City speaks to the media during the Manchester City Press Conference at Camp Nou on October 18, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) /
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 15: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City (R) takes a penalty but it is saved during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Everton at Etihad Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 15: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City (R) takes a penalty but it is saved during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Everton at Etihad Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /

Attacking Midfielder: Kevin De Bruyne

At the attacking midfielder position in our combined starting eleven, Kevin De Bruyne is a no-brainer. Racking up two goals and five assists for Manchester City so far this season in nine appearances, he has been excellent when healthy.

With our ginger prince out on the field, City is an entirely different team. More confident going forward, holding possession better, and keeping defenses honest more easily. KDB has become an integral part of the squad under Pep and has well justified his price tag already.

The biggest contender for this position from City was again David Silva. However, De Bruyne has outshone Silva thus far this season, although the Spaniard has certainly not been a disappointment.

From Barcelona, Ivan Rakitic was a top contender for this position, and some may feel that he is a better player than De Bruyne, but I firmly believe (homerism aside) that De Bruyne is currently the better player and deserving of this spot.

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