De Bruyne moving to another level?
Kevin De Bruyne has always created chances, scored great goals and had a wonderful passing range – but this season, he’s kicked on to an even higher level.
In a team of fantastic players, he is the driving force that is helping the Blues sweep teams aside.
It’s thrilling to watch him develop into one of the best players in the world – a true great who can rub shoulders with the very best in the game and while it’s too early to be talking about awards that will match his performances, is there really anyone playing better than he is at the moment?
It’s one thing to have great vision, another to be able to execute passes that seem impossible and yet another to be able to score spectacular goals every other week – but to have all those assets plus humility, a tireless work rate and unselfish attitude is something very special indeed.
His goal at Leicester was stunning and KDB has now been involved in 50 Premier League goals in just 76 appearances – and no player in Premier League history has reached that landmark quicker.
Silva purring
Could this be the season when David Silva is recognised by his fellow professionals?
The Spaniard has been notable by his absence from the past five PFA Team of the Year selections, having appeared only once back in 2011/12.
Against Leicester he was again at his magical best, creating chances and claiming yet another assist when he laid Gabriel Jesus’ goal on a plate to finally give City the lead.
Since his debut in 2010, he’s created 72 Premier League goals for his City team-mates – more than any other player over the past seven years - and that figure doesn’t include other competitions and international games.
It’s an outstanding contribution from a player who, at 31, seems to be playing better than ever.
Stones blow
Losing John Stones to injury is a major blow to City.
The England centre-half has been outstanding for the Blues all season and his understanding with Nicolas Otamendi had underpinned City’s defensive solidity so it is pity he will now be side-lined for several weeks.
If he is out for more than a month, he will miss crucial games with United and Spurs, so the return of Kompany could not have been better timed.
Otamendi is available again after serving a one-game suspension so there is no defensive crisis – but Pep Guardiola will be hoping to have Stones available as quickly as possible.
Mangala opportunity
Eliaquim Mangala has waited patiently for an opportunity to play Premier League games this season, but he slotted in well when replacing Stones against Leicester.
Against one of England’s fastest forwards in Jamie Vardy, Mangala looked comfortable alongside returning captain Kompany and considering the pair had only played eight games between them so far this campaign, there were no signs of rust.
The French central defender will be again on stand-by for the next six weeks or so as likely first reserve for Otamendi and Kompany and considering his appearance at the King Power was his 50th Premier League game for the Blues, he certainly doesn’t lack in experience.
Rotation for Feyenoord clash?
With qualification secured for the Round of 16, City take on Feyenoord on Tuesday evening knowing victory could guarantee top spot on Group F.
With Shakhtar facing a tricky game away to Napoli, a win for the Blues will almost certainly mean going into the next phase against a runner-up of another group.
Coming on the back of the Leicester clash and with Huddersfield to come, will Pep rotate his squad against the Dutch side?
Ilkay Gundogan, Yaya Toure, Bernardo Silva, Mangala, Danilo, Sergio Aguero and Claudio Bravo may all be considered for selection as the City boss aims to keep his squad as fresh as possible.
It will be interesting to see what the starting line-up is on Tuesday, but having won all four group games so far means the Blues can at least afford to change personnel if so desired.
