Manchester City 7 Schalke 0 : City Player Ratings and MOTM
By David Crook
Man City Square reviews the Manchester City player performances in the 7:0 victory over Schalke and tries hard to select a single Man of the Match.
The Defence
Ederson
There is a certain existential dilemma in the notion of trying to award a Player Rating for a player who did really make any contribution, but who would have done if they had been called upon. This was a game where Bored Ederson was in full flow, reduced to the role of a spectator. I swear he should have a picnic blanket and hamper in the back of that goal for games like this. No doubt he was under strict instructions not to wander into outfield and try and score.
Player Rating 7
Kyle Walker
It took some time to work out who was playing which role at the back as i expected to see Walker deployed as an emergency centre back given he has played there in the World Cup for England. But he was in his more accustomed right back role. Linked up well with Sterling and gave width and urgency to our attack when needed.
Player Rating 8
Danilo
Played at centre back although sometimes stepped up into a defensive midfield role to make up numbers in overloading the opposition. This was an assured and comfortable performance from our only player who actually has a winners medal in this competition. Received some battle scars in reward for his exertions today.
Player Rating 9
Aymeric Laporte
Good to see him commanding the back line again and he quickly seemed to be back at full speed which is a good sign given the matches we have to come. Good range of passing and read the goal well. Marshalled an inexperienced defence very well. Let us hope he was withdrawn just for his own protection.
Player Rating 8
Oleks Zinchenko
Who knew that having the best coach in the world, coaching good young players would actually make them better! Improving with every minute on the pitch. His enthusiasm is unabated and his contributions are game changing – like his threaded passing to release our wingers. I still say we should shelve looking for a new left back and instead give him a new contract.
Player Rating 9