MAN CITY Season Ratings: Midfielders
31 May
Our incredible season is over, and with third place and the FA Cup under our belt, here are my season ratings. Click here for ratings on goalkeepers and defenders.
De Jong - A contender for player of the season. Came into this campaign with his reputation damaged after what happened in the World Cup final, but anyone who has watched even a handful of City’s games this season will realise just how vital he is to our team. Picks up the pieces in front of the defence, making crucial tackles and blocks, but it is his passing which has improved immensely. Starts many of our attacks, and his performance in the FA Cup final was monumental - 8.5
Barry - Takes an unfair amount of criticism from those who don’t watch him play week in week out, but his contribution to the side and his selfless work in midfield is much appreciated. Not the quickest, but his distribution is tidy and alongside De Jong, performs a good job in protecting the defence. Plenty of experience in important matches and he will be a useful squad member next year - 7
Vieira - His impact as a second half substitute against Spurs in the match which clinched our Champions League qualification cannot be overlooked. We were firmly on the back foot when he came on, struggling to get out of our own half, but he used all of his vast experience to drag us forward and confirm our place in the top four. Not the most productive season for him in terms of minutes played, but his knowhow around the squad has been invaluable. Acts as a father figure to Balotelli, and although he won’t get much playing time next season if he stays, I’d like him to remain at the club in one capacity or another - 6
Milner - Was sensational on his debut against Liverpool but found the going slightly tougher after that. Often played on the wing against the better sides, when his defensive work was needed but it’s clear that his best position is in the middle. Looked impressive whenever he played there, with his energy and drive to the fore. Will face a battle to get in the side next season, but he’ll relish the challenge - 6.5
SWP - The likelihood is that he will leave in the summer which would be a shame in the sense that he’s a huge fans’ favourite. However, he’s not the type of player who can sit on the sidelines for a while and then turn it on when necessary on the pitch. Not good enough to get a starting place and he will, at this stage of his career, want first team football - 6
Y. Touré - At times, when he uses his pace and power on his surging runs forward, he’s unstoppable. Showed he’s a player for the big occasions with his goals at Wembley against Manchester United and then Stoke. Linked up well with Balotelli especially, and has a decent touch for a big man, but needs to learn that he must produce for 90 minutes, not just when he wants. For large parts of the season, he’s found the anonymity that Ryan Giggs has been looking for at great expense (but without much success!). Three lung-bursting runs a game is not enough as far as I’m concerned - 7
A. Johnson - So effective coming off the bench in the latter stages of a game, where his pace, trickery and direct approach can take advantage of tired legs. Crucial goal at home to Newcastle to secure the win, and a couple of other nicely taken finishes. However, when he starts, he poses a threat for five minutes and then fades away. Must work on making a sustained impact when given the chance, otherwise he will remain a good substitute to have and nothing more - 6.5
Silva - The Spaniard is an absolute delight to watch and it has been a privilege to see him at first hand this season. His control of the ball, dribbling ability and link up play is sensational, and his workrate has been a pleasant surprise. The fact that he was many people’s choice for player of the season in his first campaign in this league says it all. Only downside has been his lack of confidence in front of goal, but otherwise has been a joy - 8.5
Also played: Chris Chantler: Appeared as a last minute substitute away at Juventus in the Europa League to make his debut. Can’t see a future for him at the club.
Do you agree with those ratings? How would you assess the performances of our midfielders this season?
I’m sorry. SEVEN!!!!!
You know who I’m talking about
Your ratings are terrible johnson 6.5 + toure 7 yea ok mate im a chelsea fan and i can see that they are terrible ratings
Pretty much spot on. From a city season ticket holder.
Gotta stick up for Yaya here. It’s easy for fans to say what a great player he is after his cup heroics at the end, but his role in our midfield has been unnoticed by so many. Our passing this season has at times been exceptional, we have controlled many games even those where we dropped points (which has been so frustrating) such as Everton where we outclassed them for 45mins. Our style of play requires everyone to be competent at passing, and Yaya, after Silva is the best passer at the club. Barry, De Jong, Johnson, Milner can all pass well enough but it is the vision, touch and speed of thought of Yaya, Silva and Tevez that has so often cut teams apart. Yaya’s general appearance always appears laboured, yet he can fulfil any midfield role asked of him. He has popped up with a few goals throughout the season, yet also put in outstanding performances in key games. Against Blackburn away, for our goal he somehow won the ball back in midfield before starting the move that led to our winner. Against West Ham he could have had several assists if only we could have finished them. And the big money signings with the big wages and the reputations need to stand up when it really counts. And he’s definitely done that!
8.5 /10!
I agree 100% with you on Yaya. It is more often than not he goes unnoticed. Most people believe what they see not what they perceive. He may not be a hard-worker like Tevez or Milner to huff and puff 90 minutes [which is expected from a person with that physique] but his effect on any game is immense. Right before you post you comment, I was planning to stick up for him but then I realized this is not going to change anything at least in this forum.
A player like Lescott who happen to be a pure goof for most of the season (except the last 5 or 6 games) gets the same rating as Yaya !
You got it right with the ratings for De Jong and Silva, who have been immense this season. Silva would fit into the Barcelona midfield seamlessly, he’s at that level. De Jong ensures we can compete with any team in midfield. We can’t be dominated when he is there. But Yaya Toure is the player who has made the difference in the crucial games and I think he should be rated as highly as those two for that reason. With a Champs Lge campaign ahead Milner, Barry, Johnson (and I hope SWP) will get plenty of chances
Your ramblings about Yaya are pathetic, he struggled a bit mid season but he was colossal at the business end of the season and proved the difference in two massive games. And as the 6.5 for AJ is too low, he’s scored some very important goals, and Milner deserves a 7.5 for his commitment, industry and adaptability throughout this season. Stop being petty
“Proved the difference in TWO massive games”
>>> Agreed, but for the majority of the remainder of the season, he seemed comfortable to spend most of the time on his arse!
Even on his arse he makes a difference. You can not find a whole lot players out there to perform that sort of magic with their arse. At least Kolarov tried with his arse-style defending but failed hands-down
Slightly harsh on all ratings, David silva and de Jong could easily get a 9 in my books! Can’t even remember de Jong having a bad game! To me a ’6′ is slightly above average so for AJ to get that is mental
Milner deserves a higher rating. He is an excellent worker and has had to play all the positions across our midfield this season as well as filling in at right back for short stints. He is an excellent player and hopefully we see more of him next season