Player Ratings: Bayern Munich 1-0 Manchester City
- Josh Lawless
- @JoshLawlessMCFC
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Pep Guardiola’s first game in charge of Manchester City will go down as a defeat, not that the result mattered much.
As the Spaniard mentioned in his brief post-match interview, there were plenty of positive aspects in the City performance; they pressed incredibly well, brought the ball out well from the back and had many promising displays from the young players who took to the field.
Erdal Ozturk’s late deflected strike gave the hosts the win, but City have no real reason to be disheartened – after all it is early days in the Guardiola era and they played a team who had a lot of the first-team players on display.
It’s also worth noting that Bayern have already been in action in pre-season, while this was City’s first fixture.
It’s rather difficult to evaluate the performances of those in sky blue with it being a pre-season game, but we’ve provided our customary player ratings anyway.
Willy Caballero - 8
Caballero may well stick around in under Guardiola and was absolutely fantastic against Bayern, pulling off three excellent saves to deny Bayern attackers.
Joe Hart won’t be with the side until the trip to China and Caballero is making the most of the opportunity given to him.
Pablo Maffeo - 7
A very assured display from the marauding Spanish full-back, a performance that his namesake Pablo Zabaleta would be proud of. Looked at home on the right side of defence, even when up against a world-class player in Franck Ribery.
Tosin Adarabioyo - 6
Another youngster who impressed. Adarabioyo read the game very well at times, with some vital interceptions. You could argue he was at fault for the Bayern goal when his clearance hit the back of the referee, but that would be a tad harsh.
Aleksandar Kolarov - 6
Guardiola loves trying players in different positions and his first game saw Aleksandar Kolarov fill in at centre-back. He performed well though and looked composed, something which has not always been the case when he was playing at left-back.
Angelino - 8
Angelino may well be City’s best performer on the night, playing in a couple of different positions and staking a claim for a spot in the first-team squad. He linked up well with those around them, defended well at left-back and then moved up to left wing where he excelled.
City have a real talent on their hands.
Fernando - 5
Not much to write home about when talking about Fernando’s performance. Tidy just about sums it up.
Fernandinho - 6
The Brazilian captained City for the game and looked close to his normal self with his incredible energy levels and pressing. Pep is going to absolutely adore him and all that he brings.
Jesus Navas - 5
Didn’t do too much in attack, but it wasn’t that sort of game for Navas. Still, for all his admirable work ethic, his final ball isn’t there.
Alex Zinchenko - 6
A steady debut for the new boy, showing some nice touches and getting into some good positions when going forward. Not bad for his first game.
Brandon Barker - 6
Didn’t always have the space to play to his strengths and terrorise his full-back, though he was up against a seasoned pro in Rafinha. Showed some promise though, in his first half outing.
Kelechi Iheanacho - 6
The Nigerian didn’t have the service he would have liked but did go close with a superb curling first half effort that floated over the bar. He lead the pressing charge very well and should be commended for that.
Fabian Delph - 6
It remains to be seen what role Fabian Delph will have under Pep Guardiola, but he played rather well here in his second half appearance.
Angus Gunn - 5
Had no chance with the cruel deflected goal, preventing him from getting a clean sheet in his debut. But he didn’t look too fazed by the occasion and will only improve from here on.
Wilfried Bony - 5
Held the ball up well at times and brought others into playe, but still he lacks that spark in attack and that might result in him being sold this summer.
Gael Clichy - 6
Slotted in well in the second half, playing at left-back and then filling in alongside Adarabioyo.
Yaya Toure - 6
Looked fairly sharp when he entered the fray in the second half, even if he didn’t affect the game that much.
Guardiola can surely find a way to get Yaya back to his best this season.
Bersant Celina - 6
The Kosovan played on the right-hand side when he came on in the second half, which isn’t his favoured role. But he showed glimpses of the skill that he possesses and worked one opening particularly well, before seeing his shot blocked.
Sinan Bytyqi - 5
Bizarrely looked set to his miss this game through injury, as per a social media post before the game. But he did get some minutes and like most of the youngsters, showed flashes of ability.
Aleix Garcia - 5
The last man to enter the pitch didn’t have enough time to make as big an impact as he did last season against Chelsea in the FA Cup, but he didn’t give the ball away and did himself no harm..