Manchester City’s defence is one of the underappreciated strengths of Pep Guardiola’s side. While the mesmerising possession football and Erling Haaland’s goals may get the headlines the City defence is one of the biggest strengths of the treble winners.
The City defence lays the foundation for the free flowing football. A defensive unit with the quality of Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake, and Josko Gvardiol is the envy of all of Europe. Add Ederson in goal and the defensive unit is a weapon for the European champions.
N⛔️ messing! 💪 pic.twitter.com/VQWayRFW0Q
— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 30, 2023
With the defence heavily rotated each part is interchangeable. The treble winners don’t appear to suffer no matter what players Pep Guardiola picks in defence. The City defence has only conceded 7 goals in the opening 10 Premier League games this season to further emphasize the point.
Each player compliments the other in defence. John Stones and Ruben Dias have formed a strong partnership at the back over the years spent playing together. Manual Akanji’s versatility has become a crucial piece of the defensive setup. Kyle Walker adds pace at right back and is rarely beaten one-on-one. Nathan Ake has become City’s Mr Reliable at the back and rarely puts in a bad game. Josko Gvardiol has added poise in possession and is a colossal defender when required. It is a formidable lineup for opposing sides to break down.
Behind them is Ederson. The Brazilian keeper has finally started to get recognized for his work between the sticks. His shot-stopping and poise in possession make him one of the game’s premier goalkeepers.
Manchester City’s defence is a strength of Pep Guardiola’s side. It is sometimes overlooked by the media but it is integral to City’s success.
