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Manchester City 2020-21 season predictions: Midfield

By J.C. Gonzalez

MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 26: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City looks on during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Real Madrid and Manchester City at Bernabeu on February 26, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Alejandro Rios/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 26: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City looks on during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Real Madrid and Manchester City at Bernabeu on February 26, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Alejandro Rios/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) /
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In the second part of our positional preview for Manchester City’s season, we turn to midfield.

Midfield was easily one of the strongest units on the pitch for Manchester City a year ago, and as we look forward to a new season, they will be asked to step up once more. City’s midfield will no longer have the magic of David Silva, but greater playing time for Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden in the middle of the park could be a blessing in disguise for the club.

Defensive Midfielders

Rodri (CDM): With an aging Fernandinho caught between two positions, I expect Rodri to continue to cement his place as one of the first names on Pep Guardiola’s team sheet. The Spaniard is a top class defensive midfielder and shields the backline effectively, and will be a crucial part of what will need to be an improvement defensively next season.

İlkay Gündoğan (CDM): With Silva gone to Real Sociedad, I believe the German’s involvement will increase even further this season. In my view, picking Gündoğan over the likes of Bernardo Silva or Phil Foden is a very negative-minded choice, but I believe Guardiola will sacrifice an attacking talent in the name of defensive cover (although I’d challenge if it even helps much at the back). Gündoğan is not a bad player, but is often a sideways passer who is almost “hiding” in big matches by not putting himself in position to receive the ball and often seems incapable of dribbling his way out of tight spaces. In a free-flowing, dynamic, fast-paced attack like Manchester City, utilizing a jack-of-all trades but master of none midfielder is like trying to fit a round peg in a square hole.

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Attacking Midfielders

Phil Foden (CAM): The opportunity has arrived for the young Englishman as the heir apparent to David Silva, although fresh questions have arisen as to whether or not he has El Mago‘s class off the pitch. His England controversy continues to rumble across the headlines and could impede his highly anticipated first-choice involvement with so many options at Guardiola’s disposal. He has much to prove this season, but still has the talent of a future world-class player.

Bernardo Silva (CAM/RW): Bernardo and Foden’s positioning is one of the most intriguing questions heading into the new season. While Bernardo split time between both positions last year, Foden featured predominantly out wide on either flank during his excellent run after the restart. I have both listed here since I believe it will be where they should feature. After a lackluster 2019/20 following a Manchester City Player of the Season performance the year prior, a full-time move to midfield could just be the spark that allows the wizardry of Bernardo Silva to shine through.

Kevin De Bruyne (CAM): City’s best player will be absolutely instrumental to any chance City have of regaining their Premier League crown. After tying Thierry Henry’s Premier League assist record and taking home a deserved PFA Player of the Year award last season, City’s success is intrinsically linked to the individual performances of their star man.