Not one of our Central defenders is near the level they were 2 years ago, Ederson needs replacing and we need to find a quality Right Back. The rebuild still has a long way to go.
Before even discussing individual attributes / quality, structural issues, situational behavior etc, take a look at aggressiveness as an indicator: Lack of it. I have accepted that we will always be more technical, opposition more physical so as to deal with us. I have accepted that we always had good lads that play the game fair. Finally, even though the boys cannot and will not talk publicly about it, I know for a fact that they are very careful in terms of their physicality: We are not officiated the same way, refs are usually lenient towards opposition, but will punish us severely in every given opportunity...
I know -and accept- all that but still: While opponents constantly kick the shit out of us (and are encouraged to do so), we are very kind in duels and challenges, all kinds of duels and challenges, on the ground, aerials. I do not blame the boys though, and I do not question their professionalism. It's human nature, I'm sorry. One of the reasons you bring new people in is to enhance internal competition, keep "pushing" the existing group of players. It's difficult to maintain the hunger when you keep winning, even if you want to, sometimes it's beyond your will. As I said, human nature. This group of players has been working extremely hard for years so as to beat all kinds of limitations, you simply cannot rely on that forever...
That aside, replying directly to your post: Following Vincent's departure, our most complete defender has been Aymeric. I repeat, our most complete, by far. Incredible player, BEFORE his injury. The truth is that nobody was ever world class in that area, they all had weaknesses. Nobody. And the truth is that everybody has been overachieving under Guardiola, in the framework of a certain strategy and style of play. Everybody. But you will not read or hear about such stuff in the media. They have their reasons, you see, it doesn't suit their narrative...
You understand the above, then you understand City's condition the last 5 years: If we are not at 100%, if we underestimate opposition, if we enter the pitch with the wrong mindset, weaknesses and limitations are bound to be exposed: Pretty much the story of the Al Hilal match. When, in the process, you realize the hard reality of the match, it's too late. It usually is, it's very difficult to fix lack of mental preparation during a match. You are already nervous, you play the game without a clear mind, you make mistakes. You see, we became too confident (and a bit arrogant) after the Juventus match -which is understandable after such a tough season. And Pep, aware of our fitness levels, thought he could keep people like Phil, Rayan, Omar etc, fresh for the next match, in 3 days. We paid the price, the rest is history...
PS. Regarding GK and RB, I agree. I have already expressed my opinion, not coming back to that...
