Premier League: Manchester City’s 2019-20 Players of the Year

The defending champions’ defense was an example of how perceptions and reality do not always match up.

As a result of the injury of Aymeric Laporte and the “retirement” of Vincent Kompany, City’s defense became depleted down the middle. It started leaking goals at the wrong times like when your roof leaks while you are on vacation.

However, the reality was not as dire as it looked. Manchester City gave up the fifth-fewest goals in Premier League and had the best-expected goals against (xGA). They gave up a meager 1.11 goals per match, which was sixth-best.

More from Analysis

• Unlocking the Transfer Market Value of Evan Ferguson: A Comprehensive Analysis
• Unveiling the Strategy: How Marc Cucurella Fits in Manchester United’s Game Plan
• Are Manchester United title favourites with Hojlund signing?
• Premier League players who could win UEFA Nations League this year
• Promoted Team Preview: Vincent Kompany’s Burnley look to surprise

Kevin De Bruyne showed his prowess as a defensive player. He led the team in pressures and successful pressures while also ranking third in total tackles.

Kyle Walker was best in the percentage of dribbles tackled and also led all defenders with the least number of times he was dribbled past by an opponent. The English defender was also second in successful pressure percentage and third in the number of clearances.

The veteran Brazilian defender Fernandinho has a sound argument for the award of the top defender. He led in clearances, blocked shots, and successful pressure percentage. The 34-year old also was second in blocks and tackles, while ranked third in interceptions and won tackles.

In another close vote, I am choosing Rodri as MCFC’s defensive player of the year. The 23-year old led the squad in tackles, tackles won, tackles in the midfield, dribbles contested, pressures in the defensive third, pressures in the midfield and dribblers tackled. The Spaniard also was second in total pressures and interceptions.

The Atletico Madrid transfer proved that he was worth the $77 million City paid to obtain him last summer. His statistics are a testament to his relentless work rate as a defensive midfielder.

Typically, players in Guardiola’s system require a least one full season to get comfortable in his system. However, his productivity gained his manager’s confidence as he started 22 league matches.

Given his age and going to his second year at City, Rodri has plenty of room to improve, especially in his efficiency at obtaining possession from tackles and pressures, but he has made a fantastic start.

All statistics were courtesy of FBref.com and understat.com.