Over the past 11 days, 12 City players have showcased their talents on the world stage. Here, then, is our City International XI.
Goalkeeper: Claudio Bravo
Claudio Bravo is a Chilean legend. He has well over 100 caps and has helped them to two consecutive Copa America victories in 2015 and 2016.
Having been taken off through injury during the 0-0 draw with Colombia last week, he saved a Luis Suarez penalty in their 3-1 win over Uruguay on Tuesday evening – a victory that saw them remain fourth in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table.
Defender: Pablo Zabaleta
Pablo Zabaleta played the full 90 minutes of Argentina’s 3-0 defeat to Brazil, which was an unhappy time for Edgardo Bauza’s side.
He didn’t play in the 3-0 win over Colombia – but that means he’ll be well rested ahead of his return to Manchester.
Defender: Nicolas Otamendi
Blues centre-back Nicolas Otamendi is a mainstay of the Argentina side.
It’s been a mixed week for him, though. He played in Argentina’s 3-0 defeat to Brazil and was given a difficult time by the likes of Neymar and Gabriel Jesus – but was then a key part of their crucial 3-0 win over Colombia.
Defender: John Stones
It’s rare to see an English defender with as much quality on the ball as John Stones. And the good news is Gareth Southgate, who likes a certainty to land the England job on a permanent basis after four unbeaten games in charge, will encourage that side of his game, just like his manager at City does.
Stones played in both England’s matches this week: the 3-0 win over Scotland and the 2-2 draw with Spain. He’ll be a regular for years to come.
Defensive Midfielder: Fernandinho
What a week it’s been for Fernandinho.
He starred in their 3-0 win over Argentina, winning widesprerad praise for his shackling of Lionel Messi, and then was given the captaincy for the 2-0 win over Peru in Lima last night that consolidated their place at the top of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table.
City’s Mr Consistent is showing everyone just how good he is with his performances at international level.
Defensive Midfielder: Ilkay Gundogan
Midfielder Ilkay Gundogan marked his return to the Germany starting XI with an assist as his national team routed San Marino 8-0. Ilkay also played the full game as Germany drew 0-0 with Italy in Tuesday’s friendly.
Right-Wing: Raheem Sterling
City’s winger was in typically sparkly form as England won their battle of Britain clash with Scotland at Wembley last week. He then played 65 minutes against Spain, leaving the field with his side two up, only to watch La Roja score two late goals to level.
Attacking Midfielder: Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne continues to shine for both club and country.
He played a more deep-lying role in their 8-1 win over Estonia on Sunday night, with his cross-field pass in the build-up to their opener a crucial moment. He also played in the 1-1 draw with Holland four days earlier where he operated higher up the field.
Versatile and full of quality, is there a better attacking-midfielder in the game at present?
Left-Midfield: David Silva/Nolito
El Mago secured his 108th and 109th caps in Spain’s matches against FYR Macedonia and England respectively. Silva played the full game in the World Cup qualifier, laying on Aduriz’ goal in the 4-0 win. He then played 64 minutes of the 2-2 draw with England.
Nolito came on after 78 minutes of the England game, meaning he was on the pitch for both Spain’s late goals.
Striker: Kelechi Iheanacho
The 20-year-old striker played 90 minutes of his side’s 3-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Algeria, with the Super Eagles now four points clear of their nearest challengers in Group B with two wins from two.
Striker: Sergio Aguero
City’s in-form forward played the second half of Argentina’s 3-0 defeat to Brazil and remained on the bench for the 3-0 win over Colombia in San Juan on Tuesday night. Not his most productive trip, but City fans will be hopeful he comes back fresh ahead of the Premier League game against Crystal Palace.
