City player ratings for the season so far as the slog begins after the international break | OneFootball

Manchester City are well placed for what lies ahead after a good start to the 25/26 season. Pep Guardiola’s side are second in the Premier League, well placed in the UEFA Champions League league phase table and have advanced to the quarter-final stage of the Carabao Cup. The entire City squad has performed well so far this season and as the international break is currently in full swing, here are the City player ratings for the early stages of the 25/26 season.

The City player ratings reflect the strong performances of several individuals in Pep Guardiola’s squad, but they also show that it has been an entire team effort for Manchester City to be so well placed for the slog that lies ahead after the international break.

City player ratings.

Goalkeepers

Gianluigi Donnarumma-8.5/10: The Italian has immediately slotted into Pep Guardiola’s squad. He has added leadership and his shot-stopping is a vital ingredient of this City side.

James Trafford-6.5/10: He started Manchester City’s first three Premier League matches of the season but the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma has seen Trafford become City’s backup keeper. He’s started in goal in the Carabao Cup but the challenge is in front of Trafford to be anything more than a backup keeper at this stage.

Defenders

Matheus Nunes-8.5/10: Nunes has been one of Manchester City’s most dependable and consistent players of late. He has made the right-back position his own and has come on in leaps and bounds this season as a player.

Rico Lewis-6/10: Lewis hasn’t played a prominent role this season and next time the City ratings are written for an extended period he will likely be classed as a midfielder.

Abdukodir Khusanov-6/10: Injury has hampered his season to date. Khusanov did show what he is capable of at right-back and that does seem to be his role for this season.

Ruben Dias-8/10: I think Ruben Dias has been superb this season. His leadership has been key for his team and his performance in Manchester City’s 3-nil win over Liverpool showed he is approaching his best form.

Josko Gvardiol-7/10: Has made a slow start to the season by his lofty standards. But he is growing into the season and his best role looks to be playing at centre-back alongside Ruben Dias.

John Stones-7/10: The big positive for Manchester City and Stones is that he has stayed fit. His performances have been good and his display in Manchester City’s win over Villarreal was vintage John Stones.

Nathan Ake-5.5/10: Ake has been more of a squad player this season and hasn’t played a prominent role for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Nico O’Reilly-9/10: One of Manchester City’s best players so far this season. Nico O’Reilly has become an England international and is Manchester City’s first-choice left-back. That is a credit to him and his play this season.

Rayan Ait-Nouri-5/10: Injuries have wrecked Ait-Nouri’s season so far, hence the low rating.

Midfielders

Nico-9/10: One of Manchester City’s best players so far this season. He has become a key player in the number six role for City in his own right and his rise has allowed Manchester City to be patient with Rodri’s return. Nico has almost become the heartbeat of his team which speaks volumes about how well he has played this season.

Rodri-6/10: Has shown flashes that he will return to his best when he is fully fit. Niggling injuries have slowed down his return from the ACL injury that ended his 24/25 season. That was to be expected given how serious Rodri’s injury was.

Mateo Kovacic-N/A: Made two appearances off the bench before a heel injury forced him to have surgery. Out until February/March now due to injury.

Bernardo Silva-8/10: Has played superbly well as Manchester City’s captain. Bernardo remains a key player for his team as he showed during Manchester City’s recent win over Liverpool.

Tijjani Reijnders-7/10: His debut against Wolves gave the impression that he would take to life in the Premier League like a duck to water. He has since shown that he needs time to adjust to life at City as his performances dropped off after his sparkling debut. Has shown flashes of brilliance at times but needs to do more.

Phil Foden-9/10: Foden has played in midfield this season and has returned to his best. He has been a key cog in Pep Guardiola’s side and playing in midfield has seen him show another side to his game. Foden has become a leader for his team which has been great to see.

Attackers

Oscar Bobb-6/10: Has shown flashes of brilliance and at other times struggled to make an impact. That’s the life of a young player which Oscar Bobb is.

Rayan Cherki-7.5/10: Missed a significant chunk of the season due to injury but has more than made up for that. Cherki has scored three goals and added three assists and shown flashes of brilliance. He has also shown that he is far from the finished product but the good far outweighs the bad with the French international.

Savinho-6.5/10: Has dazzled and frustrated at times this season. I feel the good outweighs the bad with the Brazilian international and he needs to keep improving but he has shown signs this season that he will.

Jeremy Doku-9/10: Doku’s game has gone up a level this season. His performance against Liverpool was arguably the best of his City career and was the perfect encapsulation of Doku’s growth as a player this season.

Omar Marmoush-5/10: Injury has scuppered Marmoush’s season to date. Hence the low rating for the Egyptian international.

Erling Haaland-10/10: 19 goals in 15 games is absurd. Erling Haaland’s overall game has been superb this season with his ability to help his team defensively at set pieces and link up play. For me, Haaland would be Manchester City’s player of the season so far.