His first half was up there with his treble winning best. Really great, so smart positionally, so good on the ball, doing that thing that Silva was so good at in moving to get the ball, creating the space for someone else, and then passing it back into the space. I love the explosiveness of Doku and Savinho but there's something so satisfying watching Kev, Bernie and Jack pass and move and work a defensive puzzle out.I thought Jack was the unsung hero in yesterday's game. He was pivotal in the build up to 2 of the goals and is efficient and controlled when in possession. He often gets stick but his end product is often better than Doku's' despite Doku looking much more exciting on the face of it.
My only wish is that KDB would hang up his international boots & give the rest of his meaningful career to City.I genuinely think we're a stronger team, at least as strong as the treble team, for one simple reason: Kova, Gvardiol and Rico have now come fully into their own as compared to last season. Everybody else has stayed at their imperious level, apparently. Kev looks fresh and hungry, above all he looks as though he's enjoying his football again. Actually, I see that I've just given several reasons…
I've maybe got a slight worry about Rúben, if anyone. He's still playing at a very high level, but it seems to me that he's not quite as absolutely dependable as he was a couple of seasons back. That own goal surprised me a bit yesterday. No West Ham player near him. I'd still have him in my team, probably, because he's an organiser, and a leader.
The first thing that struck me was how much we missed Savinho! He's only played twice in the PL, but he's made a massive impact already.No Savinho, no Rodri, no Foden, no Stones, no fucking worries.
De Bruyne will turn 35 during the next World Cup finals in 2026, and while I’m sure he thinks he can help Belgium get there, he’s unlikely to be in the starting eleven then. I agree with you, but I guess that some players are more comfortable retiring from international football and are happy that it won’t blunt their edge in terms of club football, whereas others might think that calling it a day internationally might mentally affect them and precipitate their decline.My only wish is that KDB would hang up his international boots & give the rest of his meaningful career to City.
He's nothing more to gain by physically rinsing himself out playing for Belgium at his age. Both he & Walker should take a leaf out of Gundog's book.
To be honest I think it's more to do with the pride & ego of representing your country. Players seem to prize international appearances over club, but at a club like Manchester City, this makes less sense the older a player gets.De Bruyne will turn 35 during the next World Cup finals in 2026, and while I’m sure he thinks he can help Belgium get there, he’s unlikely to be in the starting eleven then. I agree with you, but I guess that some players are more comfortable retiring from international football and are happy that it won’t blunt their edge in terms of club football, whereas others might think that calling it a day internationally might mentally affect them and precipitate their decline.
Yes, Father Ruben was arguably the best defender in the world shortly after he joined us. I think his standards have slipped a little these last 12 months or so. But form is temporary and class is permanent, and he is a class act. He'll come back to his best form.I genuinely think we're a stronger team, at least as strong as the treble team, for one simple reason: Kova, Gvardiol and Rico have now come fully into their own as compared to last season. Everybody else has stayed at their imperious level, apparently. Kev looks fresh and hungry, above all he looks as though he's enjoying his football again. Actually, I see that I've just given several reasons…
I've maybe got a slight worry about Rúben, if anyone. He's still playing at a very high level, but it seems to me that he's not quite as absolutely dependable as he was a couple of seasons back. That own goal surprised me a bit yesterday. No West Ham player near him. I'd still have him in my team, probably, because he's an organiser, and a leader.
I think that for some players, particularly those from certain countries, they feel strongly attached to their national side and it’s also a welcome opportunity to get out of Manchester/England and be back amongst players/friends/families, often in their own country.To be honest I think it's more to do with the pride & ego of representing your country. Players seem to prize international appearances over club, but at a club like Manchester City, this makes less sense the older a player gets.
Pep has already said we could potentially play 70+ matches this season. The vast majority of those matches will be in the biggest domestic competitions in the world, against teams which are stronger than most International sides, so it's not like our players will be missing out on prestigious, big match occasions.
I seriously don't get the pull of international football, especially as players age.