In the face of recent hurdles leading to relinquishing their leading position in the English Premier League, Manchester City's path to the Club World Cup seems straightforward. As the current titleholders of the UEFA Champions League, they secured a 1-0 triumph against Inter Milan in last season's final. Endowed with a diverse set of strengths, the team emerges as potent contenders in the ongoing edition of the tournament.
The True Leader
While not wearing the captain's armband, Spanish midfielder Rodri is considered a leader on the field for Manchester City. His role goes beyond boosting team morale; his inspirational on-field performance serves as the foundation for Pep Guardiola's tactical lineup. Rodri is currently hailed as the best defensive midfielder globally, praised for his defensive prowess and attacking abilities.
Symbol of Cohesion
Despite defensive struggles this season, the presence of right-back Kyle Walker provides reassurance. With the captaincy in the absence of the injured Kevin De Bruyne, the 33-year-old English international consistently delivers top-notch performances, showcasing defensive resilience and remarkable speed in tracking back.
The Utility Player
In the absence of De Bruyne, Portuguese star Bernardo Silva takes on the responsibility of orchestrating plays. Guardiola views Silva as Manchester City's "joker" due to his versatility across multiple positions. Silva's sharp ball possession skills and clever movements contribute to supplying the forward line with various passes.
The Speedy Winger
Belgian winger Jeremy Doku, a notable summer signing, has emerged as a key player in the English Premier League. With exceptional technical skills and explosive speed, Doku terrorizes opposing teams from the right-wing. He has displaced Jack Grealish in the starting lineup and poses a significant threat with his rapid runs and precise right-footed shots.
Goal Machine
The most prominent weapon in Manchester City's arsenal is Norwegian striker Erling Haaland. Since joining the team from Borussia Dortmund, Haaland has consistently scored goals and broken records. He aims to add the Club World Cup to his list of achievements, and given his diverse physical capabilities, it is expected that he will find no difficulty in finding the net in Saudi Arabia.
In summary, Manchester City appears well-equipped to secure success in the Club World Cup, boasting a blend of leadership, defensive solidity, tactical flexibility, attacking prowess, and goal-scoring capability.