Manchester City’s unexpected struggles this season have sent shockwaves through the football world. The reigning Premier League champions are facing a crisis, with a concerning run of form highlighting several key issues within the squad. From aging stars showing signs of decline to crucial injuries disrupting the team’s rhythm, the situation at the Etihad is far from rosy.
One of the most pressing concerns is the fitness of Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian maestro, a vital cog in City’s midfield machine, has been hampered by a hamstring injury suffered in September. His limited game time – a mere 38 minutes across five consecutive defeats – is a significant blow to Pep Guardiola’s tactical plans. While City managed without him for parts of last season, the absence of both De Bruyne and Rodri (also sidelined) has exposed a critical lack of midfield depth. At 33, with a vast career spanning over 700 games, the wear and tear is visibly impacting De Bruyne’s ability to consistently perform at his peak. His recent lack of starts, dating back to City’s Champions League opener against Inter two months ago, underscores the gravity of the situation.
The decline isn’t limited to De Bruyne. Ilkay Gundogan, despite a triumphant return from Barcelona, appears a shadow of his former self. While his passing accuracy remains high, his inability to match the intensity of Premier League midfield battles has been evident. Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp aptly summarized his performance against Tottenham, highlighting Gundogan’s inability to track runners and contribute to the team’s defensive efforts, a stark contrast to his usual commanding presence.
Jack Grealish’s situation mirrors that of Gundogan. Injury-prone and limited in output since his record-breaking transfer from Aston Villa, Grealish’s contribution has been significantly below expectations. His substitute appearance against Tottenham was his first since October, a further indication of his struggles. Although he’s been part of City’s trophy-laden successes, his individual goal and assist tally remains considerably lower than his final season and a half at Aston Villa, even accounting for injury lay-offs. The lack of goals, especially considering Erling Haaland’s current struggles, is a worrying trend.
Even Kyle Walker, renowned for his one-on-one defending, is showing signs of age. His speed, once a significant asset, appears to be waning, and he is being dribbled past more frequently than in previous seasons. While statistics can be nuanced, the data suggests a decline that could seriously impact City’s ability to control counter-attacks, especially considering their current defensive vulnerabilities.
Phil Foden, last season’s Player of the Year, is another underperforming star. While he showed brief flashes of brilliance against Tottenham, his overall contribution this season has been disappointing. Struggling with illness and disrupted game time, Foden’s usual game-changing ability has been absent, leaving a significant void in City’s attacking arsenal.
Erling Haaland, despite his immense talent, has also experienced a slump in form. While he remains a prolific goalscorer, his conversion rate has noticeably dipped, significantly underperforming his expected goals. While his goal-scoring prowess will undoubtedly return, his current lack of clinical finishing has contributed to City’s disappointing results.
Underlying these individual struggles is a broader issue: an aging squad. Against Tottenham, nine out of 14 players used were 29 or older. This reliance on veteran players, while understandable given their experience, highlights a potential lack of depth and a need for squad rejuvenation. With Guardiola’s contract extension, the rebuild is inevitable, but addressing the immediate crisis requires immediate solutions. The question remains: can Guardiola navigate this challenging period and restore Manchester City to its former glory?
