Midfield report card: De Bruyne the best; Gundogan, Fernandinho solid

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 1: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City reacts during the UEFA Champions League match between Manchester City FC and FC Barcelona at Etihad Stadium on November 1, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images) /

Kevin De Bruyne – Grade – A

Since joining City from Vfl Wolfsburg, De Bruyne has been excellent. One of the best, if not the premier, attacking midfielder in the world when fully on form, KDB leads our attack when he is fit. In the Premier League alone, KDB has scored twice with seven assists in eleven appearances.

He is City’s most important midfielder and attacking player at present, and during his short injury bout, he was sorely missed on the pitch. KDB is vital to City’s success in Europe and the league moving forward.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 24: Fabian Delph of Manchester City during the UEFA Champions League Play Off, 2nd leg between Manchester City and FC Steaua Bucharest at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Visionhaus /

Fabian Delph – Grade – D

Appearing in only three, Delph has continued to suffer from nagging injuries. Delph really has not done enough to garner much of a fair grade, but he certainly has not impressed. I am still hopeful that he can get healthy again and be an important squad player, but for now, his grade reflects his limited performances.