Our best 11 right now?

[Saddleworth2]

I think the good thing is that Pep hasn't shown any inclination to keep playing the same XI so everyone will get plenty of chances to play when they're out of form, including Raz.

Of course that’s true. I also think it explains why our performance levels vary (it impacts as much as the quality of our opponents). I just hope like hell he doesn’t have another brain fart in our cup games.

 

[BillyShears]

Of course that’s true. I also think it explains why our performance levels vary (it impacts as much as the quality of our opponents). I just hope like hell he doesn’t have another brain fart in our cup games.

It's easy to say with hindsight but I think Pep has nailed the rotation this season. I don't think there's much doubt about that when you look at the fitness of the team and their form collectively whilst he's been chopping and changing so much.

 

[BolinCell]

--------------Ederson
??????---Stones---Dias---Cancelo
---------------Rodri
----Bernardo------Gundogan
Mahrez----De Bruyne----Foden


Just 1 spot up for grabs, choices:
Walker, Zinchenko or Laporte (with Cancelo going right back if the latter 2). I would probably go Zinchenko.

Jesus is close and there maybe occasions when his energy is required like Real Madrid away last year.

Mhrez is too predictable, get ball on right never try to beat defender on outside, turns into penalty area, lashes a shot straight at the goalie, or flashes a shot that deflects of a defender, or curls one wide of the post, on the odd occasion scores a worldy. One thing for certain he will very rarely pass.

 

[asahartford1]

The thread is asking about our most in form 11.Not our perceived best 11.

But some of us are also asking,as incredible as Kev is,do we operate better,as a team,without him?

And what is the answer to the question you were asking yourselves?

 

[ancoats]

is the false 9 pep best option ? i would back pep in anything he does and results and trophies back him up
its strange formation and the rotation of players in the game moving around must be a nightmare for defenders to pick up

when everybody is fit and no injuries pep can change to so many formations and options of players. i truly don't know the best 11. it depends on the team we are playing i guess


Ederson
walker---Stones---Dias---Cancelo
---------------Rodri
----Bernardo------Gundogan
Mahrez----De Bruyne----Foden

that line up 99% times picks itself and is the inform and pep best 11 if he had to pick his best
but jesus sterling aguero have a major part in they are the main goals scorers with over 300 goals between them

i will say champions league football offers a major plus point in subs you can use 5, so you can play so many setups and players. 5 subs is half of a team and maybe having them goals on the bench is pep best option

it must be a joy for pep having and holding all the cards at the right time. maybe its the first time in 5 seasons pep got a full squad to pick from so anything is possible

 

[RobMCFC]

Agree with a lot of what has been said above. The 11 last night, on current form, is our best 11. I think you could have arguments about whether Walker on the right or Zinchenko on the left is the right call, with Cancelo switching as appropriate.

But going with that set-up, with the ability to bring on Sterling, Aguero, Jesus or Torres as required (or Fernandinho if we go 3-0 up against Bayern) is a fantastic position to be in.

 

[FantasyIreland]

And what is the answer to the question you were asking yourselves?

Jury still out for me.Purchase Haaland and the 'problem' increases.

 

[asahartford1]

How would signing a centre forward impact your thought that Kevin de Bruyne is not good enough for Manchester City ?
@Fantasyisland

 

[Del_Bosque]

I think when everyone is playing their best and for a big game this is probably our best team

Sterling is bang out of form though, but Mahrez always goes missing against the big sides

Ederson
Walker Stones Dias Cancelo
Rodri
Bernardo Gundogan
Sterling KDB Foden

 

[Dax777]

I interviewed Marti Perarnau who wrote Pep Confidential a few times and we've become quite friendly. He often talks about structural players inside a Pep team and for him in this side the players I listed are Pep's structural players this season.

Beyond that I can see absolutely why people have different preferences for what their "best XI" would be.

I see your point now. I was using 'Structural' differently. I presumed it to mean those who's absence changes our ability to perform at an optimal level.