Manchester City are en route for another title this year after making up a huge points deficit on former leaders Liverpool and it’s got us wondering – who do they have to thank for their turn of fortunes in the past decade?
Of course, the major elephant in the room is that City have had huge financial backing. Market clout that some clubs can only dream of.
Investment from the Abu Dhabi United Group back in 2008 sparked the beginning of a new age in English football, with Manchester City dawning on the powerhouses of old – Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.
Despite some pretty shoddy investments at the beginning of the new owner’s reign we think it’s pretty fair to say that the majority of their recruitment has been bang on the money, and every player has contributed toward their success in one way or another, with some superstars, like Sergio Aguero, still pure quality.
However, which of their recent signings truly stand out for good or bad reasons?
Good: Bernardo Silva
The first of two Monaco signings in this list, Bernardo Silva has really come into his own this season after an admittedly slow start to his City career.
The little midfielder is one of the best dribblers we’ve seen in recent time and has turned finding space in tight spots into an art form.
He’s beginning to look a lot more like the David Silva replacement he was presumably meant to be, and at a reported £43m he’s an absolute bargain in the modern game.
Bad: Benjamin Mendy
Since arriving in Manchester, Benjamin Mendy seems to have spent more time injured than he has fit for his club.
There’s no doubting that he has some ability at the left-back position, particularly when attacking the opposing full-back, but realistically he’s too much of a liability to be a starting defender for a title challenging side.
Not to mention his activity on social media.
As far as we’re concerned, Manchester City grossly overpaid for his services spending £52m to bring him over from previous club Monaco (according to The Guardian).
The more you look at the figure the worse it gets.
