Manchester City are a team dripping in class with sensational players in all positions.
Phil Foden has been lauded to the hilt for his incredible campaign and he’s swooped up several personal accolades after helping Manchester City to a fourth Premier League title in a row.
There has also been high praise for the remarkable Rodri and goal sensation Erling Haaland.
But who is City’s unsung hero of the campaign? Manchester City news writers have given their picks below.
Srinivas Sadhanand – Manuel Akanji
Coming in as a last-gasp signing in the summer of 2022, it did not seem like Manuel Akanji would become one of Manchester City’s most important players.
Since the day he stepped onto the pitch for City, Akanji has taken to his role as Mr Reliable with aplomb.
While that tag is associated with players who simply put a shift in, the Swiss international virtually guarantees Pep Guardiola a brilliant showing across the backline.
Akanji is one of City’s best pieces of business over the last few years as he has become a staple member of their back four.
Tom Proctor – Bernardo Silva
Bernardo Silva. Some others like Manuel Akanji and Mateo Kovacic deserve a lot of praise, but Bernardo is surely City’s unsung hero of 2023/24.
He is simply never as ‘sung’ as he should be considering the level of performance he shows week in, week out.
Bernardo runs his socks off every single game, but also offers creativity as evidenced by his 21 goal contributions in 48 appearances.
He must be an absolute dream to manage for Pep Guardiola.
James Thompson – Manuel Akanji
Manuel Akanji showed his value once again this season by being a useful and versatile defensive option for City.
He even dabbled in a midfield role at times, although it was his mostly assured performances in defence where the 28-year-old proved once again how much of a smart signing he’s been for the club.
Dan Murphy – Mateo Kovacic
Mateo Kovacic was given a near-impossible job of replacing Ilkay Gundogan at Manchester City when he was signed in the summer.
Though the Croatian never reached the heights of the former captain and struggled initially, he eventually settled in nicely to offer Pep Guardiola the control and composure he often needs in the middle.
As the season wore on and games became nerve-wracking affairs, Kovacic brought the needed extra steel in midfield to ensure City remained undefeated and won the title. He hasn’t gotten the credit he deserves.
You can go back and read the rest of the Manchester City News awards with our writers’ picks for Goal of the Season, Breakout Star of the Season and Win of the Season already available.
Return on Saturday for the Signing of the Season award.