Who will be our key players ahead of the new campaign?
By Aaron Leggott
So, it has been around two and a half months since *that* goal from Sergio Aguero which will be forever remembered in the terraces, but will Aguero and co. be able to repeat last season's heroics and deliver our second Premier League trophy on the 19th May at home to Norwich City?
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| Vincent Kompany lifts the Premier League trophy. Can he repeat that feat this season? Photo: Alex Livesey/Getty Images Europe |
In this build up piece, I will have a look at the key players that we will be relying upon to produce consistently whilst also looking at a possible XI capable of winning the league and progressing in the Champions League.
Key Players
- Joe Hart
England's number 1 had another successful season between the sticks for the Blues, retaining the Golden Glove award after keeping 17 clean sheets.
It is fair to say that he is now recognised as one of the world's best keepers by football experts across the globe. If City are to retain their Premier League crown next season, Hart needs to produce similar performances to ones that won City vital points, most notably at Villa Park and the DW Stadium.
- Vincent Kompany
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| Kompany celebrating against United Photo: Michael Regan/Getty Images Europe |
If we were to cut this man open, I'm sure he would bleed blue blood. The man represents what the modern day Manchester City are all about. "Kaptain Kompany" not only oozes class on the pitch, but he is a credit to the club off it as well, and it is no surprise that he was awarded with a six year contract just a week ago.
Without him in the side, we look a totally different team. He seems to create a belief amongst the players, and inspires them to perform admirably for the shirt. I'm sure i'm not the only one who shed a tear when he lifted the Premier League trophy, and the emotion in his face showed that he wants to win many more things for this club.
- Yaya Toure
This man seems to turn up when it really matters. The 29 year old midfielder from the Ivory Coast produced time and time again last season, giving us those moments to remember. One game in particular was at St James' Park, where Yaya's two goals were a heavyweight blow to Manchester United's chances of retaining the Premier League.
He will need to produce man of the match performances like the one against Newcastle if City are to stand a chance of retaining our trophy. He is a different option to the likes of David Silva and Samir Nasri, and always provides a huge presence in the side.
- David Silva
Nicknamed 'Merlin' by the City faithful, Silva's second season in Sky Blue surpassed expectations of even the most optimistic City fan, as he weaved his magic both at home and away from the Etihad Stadium.
His name strikes fear throughout defences in the league, and despite his form trailing off towards the end of the season, he was a vital cog in the City team which will need to be working at full pace again if we want to challenge on all fronts.
- Sergio Aguero
"Manchester City are still alive here... Balotelli... AGUEROOOO" is a quote that will be forever embedded into the minds of City fans and it is thanks to Aguero that we produced that memorable comeback against QPR to win the league.
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| Aguero's memorable strike.... Photo: Alex Livesey/Getty Images Europe |
Deservedly voted as our player of the year, Aguero finished as top scorer with 23 Premier League goals in his debut season. Rumoured to have cost Mancini around £35 million, he is proving to be worth every penny as his goals proved, and it is scary to think that he believes he can improve even more this season.
Possible XI
With Mancini yet to sign anyone, it is hard to predict what our team will be in just over two weeks time at home to Southampton, but at the moment I have picked a team similar to the one which saw us turn around an eight point deficit with six games to go. With a front four of Silva, Nasri, Aguero and Tevez, the team just worked perfectly and it was hard to find any weak point in the final few fixtures.
Let us know who you believe will be our key players in our attempt to retain the Premier League, and give us a prediction of what you think our best team will be.
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You can also follow Aaron on Twitter: @aaron_leggott
(c) The Sky Blue View 2012
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