Gary Lineker names three Man City players whose legs have gone, Alan Shearer thinks there’s ‘four or five

Manchester City faced a heavy defeat in their recent Champions League match against Real Madrid, losing 3-1 and being eliminated from the competition. This defeat was a tough blow for the team as they had already been beaten 3-2 in the first leg at the Etihad. Real Madrid, with Kylian Mbappé scoring a hat-trick, dominated in the second leg at the Bernabeu, winning 6-2 on aggregate. This early exit from the Champions League has led to many questions about the state of Manchester City, with their performance falling short in comparison to their usual high standards.

Despite being knocked out of Europe, there are still important matches ahead for City in the Premier League. They are still in the race for the top four, which would secure their qualification for next season’s Champions League. In addition to their league aspirations, Manchester City still have a chance at the FA Cup, as they will face Championship side Plymouth Argyle in the next round. These upcoming games are crucial for Guardiola and the team, with matches against top Premier League sides Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur adding further pressure to the squad.

The defeat to Real Madrid has raised serious concerns about the squad’s ability to compete at the highest level. One of the main issues highlighted in the aftermath of the match is the apparent decline in the performance of several key players. Both Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, speaking on “The Rest Is Football” podcast, have been critical of City’s aging players. They believe that a number of the team’s experienced players no longer possess the same energy or quality they once had. Shearer noted that it seems many of these players, including some of the team’s most important figures, have started to lose their sharpness. He suggested that it might be affecting up to five of the key players in the squad, who no longer have the same “legs” or ability as in previous seasons.

Lineker agreed with Shearer’s assessment, focusing particularly on a few key players, including Kevin De Bruyne, who was absent in the defeat to Real Madrid, and Bernardo Silva. But most of all, he pointed out Ilkay Gundogan, who is 34 years old and has been a crucial player for City in recent years. Lineker remarked that these players, particularly Gundogan, might not be able to compete at the top level for much longer, with age seemingly catching up to them. He mentioned Kyle Walker as another player whose best days may be behind him, given the physical demands of top-flight football.

The concern over the squad’s aging players is compounded by the fact that some of these key figures have not been performing to their usual standards. De Bruyne, for example, has not been the same player this season. The Belgian midfielder has only managed two goals and six assists in 17 Premier League appearances, which is his lowest tally for goal contributions in a single season since 2018/19. Guardiola has even left De Bruyne on the bench in the last two matches, suggesting that his influence in the squad is waning. This is a far cry from the player who has been at the heart of Manchester City’s success in recent years.

With De Bruyne’s future at City in question, the club appears to be preparing for life after the Belgian playmaker. Reports have emerged suggesting that Manchester City are targeting Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen as a potential replacement for De Bruyne. Wirtz, at just 21 years old, has been impressing in the Bundesliga, with nine goals and nine assists in 22 appearances this season. He is seen as a player who could bring the creativity and vision that De Bruyne has offered the team over the years. However, Wirtz’s transfer would come at a significant cost, with estimates suggesting that the German star could cost upwards of £83 million. Despite this high price tag, it is clear that Manchester City are already looking to secure a long-term solution to replace one of their most influential players.

This focus on Wirtz highlights the uncertainty surrounding the future of Manchester City’s midfield. With players like De Bruyne, Gundogan, and Bernardo Silva all at or nearing the end of their peak years, the club faces a challenge in replenishing its squad with younger, dynamic talent. City’s success in recent years has been built on the midfield creativity of players like De Bruyne, but as these players start to slow down, the team will need to adapt. Guardiola, known for his tactical brilliance, will need to find new ways to maintain City’s dominance in English football while transitioning to a new era with fresh faces.

The upcoming matches for Manchester City will be crucial in determining the direction the team will take for the rest of the season. With the pressure mounting, the club will need strong performances from its key players to stay in the hunt for the top four and secure another piece of silverware in the FA Cup. The next few weeks will be a test of Guardiola’s ability to manage a squad that is showing signs of aging, while also preparing for the future with potential new signings like Wirtz.

For now, Manchester City remains a team in transition. Their defeat to Real Madrid has exposed some of the cracks in their squad, and questions about the longevity of their key players will persist. Guardiola will need to find a way to get the best out of his aging stars while also planning for the future. The balance between maintaining short-term success and preparing for long-term sustainability will be a delicate one, and it will be interesting to see how the manager handles this challenge in the coming months.

As Manchester City prepare for their upcoming fixtures, including the important clash against Premier League leaders Liverpool, they will be hoping that their experienced players can rise to the occasion and lead the team to success. However, with the squad’s aging core, the future may lie in the hands of younger players who can provide the energy and creativity that the team needs to continue competing at the highest level. Only time will tell if Guardiola can successfully navigate this transition and ensure that Manchester City remains one of the top clubs in Europe.