Five Most Underrated Manchester City Players This Season

2022/23 hasn’t been the best season for Manchester City compared to recent years. While they’re almost guaranteed to finish in the top four, inconsistent results have somewhat blighted their campaign.

Regardless, this doesn’t mean there haven’t been any standout players. The likes of Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and former Chelsea man Kevin De Bruyne have all been sensational.

But we don’t want to focus on those for the time being. Today, we’ll be looking at City’s unsung heroes – those whose contributions may have gone under the radar somewhat.

Julian Alvarez

Signed in the summer as a backup to Haaland, Julian Alvarez has made the most of every opportunity he’s received – he already looks to be an improvement on Gabriel Jesus, who moved to Arsenal during the transfer window.

The Mexican magician has scored five goals in 19 league appearances for the Citizens so far. This may not sound impressive, but you have to remember that he’s generally been used as a substitute.

Alvarez already looks like the finished product, with excellent ball control and sublime finishing. Sometimes, it’s easy to forget he’s only 23.

Manuel Akanji

The acquisition of Manuel Akanji raised a few eyebrows at first – the Swiss superstar’s form at Borussia Dortmund had been inconsistent and he looked prone to making silly errors.

Like Alvarez, Akanji was signed primarily to add squad depth – however, he has performed admirably when called upon by Pep Guardiola.

A physical defender with solid technical ability, Akanji has made 18 appearances in the Premier League for City so far this season.

Rico Lewis

Move over Phil Foden – there’s a new starboy in town! Rico Lewis may not be as exciting as the England international, but he is nonetheless an incredibly promising talent.

He has made 17 appearances for City across all competitions this season. He’s also scored a single goal – in the Champions League, no less.

Despite his potential, Lewis has flown under the radar somewhat this season. Perhaps it is due to his position as a full-back – naturally, defenders are less exciting to a general audience than attacking players. Alongside the likes of Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and Liverpool’s Stefan Bajcetic, he is one of the best young players in the league.

Nathan Ake

Nathan Ake is finally getting the respect he deserves at Manchester City. An adaptable defender, he’s been able to show his true qualities when deployed as a centre-back.

For years, managers and pundits alike viewed him as a failed left-back – he can play there, but he’s much better when played centrally – or, even better, on the left-hand side of a back three.

Ake has made 25 appearances for Manchester City this season across all competitions. Across these games, he’s also scored a single goal.

Ilkay Gundogan

Ilkay Gundogan has been one of City’s best and most consistent midfielders for years – it’s a real shame that he never seems to get the level of praise that he warrants.

Gundogan’s movement, passing and goalscoring ability make him an invaluable member of the Sky Blues’ squad. This season, he’s scored three goals and registered three assists in 22 Premier League games.

He has been named Manchester City’s captain for this season. On top of his top-notch technical ability, he’s also been able to showcase his leadership qualities.