Team of the Decade: Manchester City

Welcome to Last Word On Football’s team of the decade series. Today we take a look at the players and manager who made into the Manchester City team. The 2010s are a time Manchester City fans will always remember fondly as the club won the most trophies in England and made their step onto the world stage.

Manchester City took home the Premier League crown four times in the last decade. They also won five Carabao Cup and two FA Cups. The club were also able to set the record for points in a Premier League season when they reached the 100 point mark in 2018. Manchester City have continued their excellence since, already claiming the first Carabao Cup of the 2020s.

Manchester City Team of the Decade

Manager – Pep Guardiola

Picking Pep Guardiola as the manager is probably the easiest choice. Guardiola has surpassed the magnificent exploits of Manuel Pellegrini and Roberto Mancini by asserting a dominant style of football at Manchester City. His teams have won more titles and games while also scoring more goals than either previous managers.

Formation – 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper – Ederson

It’s a real toss-up between Joe Hart and Ederson for the goalkeeper position. Both have played instrumental roles in capturing City’s trophies from the decade, but Ederson is the choice because Guardiola is the manager, and Guardiola made it clear when he took the helm at Manchester City that he needed someone besides Hart.

Right Back – Pablo Zabaleta

How could you not love Pablo Zabaleta? The Manchester City right-back was everything one could expect from Argentine football. Aggressive, powerful, a mix of bravado and class; Zabaleta was the type of player to go in studs up on an ankle only to kiss the player’s forehead immediately afterwards.

Centre Back – Aymeric Laporte

When Aymeric Laporte arrived from Athletic Bilbao, Manchester City’s defence completely changed. He’s an excellent defender in every category, but it’s his distribution that makes him so valuable to Manchester City. Having such a cool head in possession makes him so valuable to this team.

Centre Back – Vincent Kompany

As if there would be anyone else but Captain Kompany. The 6’4” Belgian was at the heart of every Manchester City triumph in the last ten years. His full-blooded style and charismatic approach have made him a fan favourite for the rest of his life.

Left Back – Aleksandar Kolarov

Manchester City has had a few different left-backs over the last decade, none of whom brought the touch and character of the Serbian Aleksandar Kolarov. Kolarov has a world-class left-foot. He still bangs in wonderful free-kicks for Italian club Roma.

Defensive Midfielder – Fernandinho

Nobody on this team has changed their game more during their time at City than Fernandinho. The Brazilian midfielder came into the Premier League as a rough midfielder and continues today as an elegant passing centre-back. In between, Fernandinho became one of the best defensive midfield maestros the Premier League has ever seen.

Defensive Midfielder – Yaya Toure

There have been few Premier League players who had as much class on the ball as Yaya Toure. The Ivorian was big and strong while possessing a touch as good as gold. His standout memory will always be the 2013/14 season. He scored 20 Premier League goals while leading Manchester City to the title.

Right Attacking Midfielder – Raheem Sterling

Raheem Sterling makes the list for being one of the most explosive wingers in world football. The diminutive Englishman can beat almost anyone one-on-one, but over his time at City, he has made great strides in his reading of the game, his awareness and link-up play – all of which makes him perfectly suited for Pep Guardiola and his style.

Central Attacking Midfielder – Kevin De Bruyne

Manchester City’s second world-class Belgian of the decade, Kevin De Bruyne never ceases to amaze. Since arriving from Wolfsburg, De Bruyne has had more than ten assists in all competitions in five consecutive seasons. However, it’s the touch and dynamism with which he operates that makes him so unforgettable.

Left Attacking Midfielder – David Silva

David Silva is waiting on the chance to finish a decade of delighting Manchester City fans. So naturally, he is a no brainer in this team. He has been no question one of the most enjoyable players to watch in this past decade of English football. To his credit, he has allowed ageing to change how he plays in a way that is still as enjoyable to watch. City fans will miss you, El Mago.

Striker – Sergio Aguero

Sergio Aguero is already one of the greatest strikers in Premier League history. The Argentine is at the heart of so many amazing Manchester City memories. Aguero is one of the rare sports superstars where a single moment dwarfs just how amazing he is. We’re talking about the most prolific foreign goalscorer in Premier League history. It only takes one goal in the 94th minute to create admiration that lasts much longer than any decade.