Kalvin Phillips recently had his first Champions League appearance for Manchester City, marking only his sixth overall. Despite Guardiola apologizing for not playing him more, Phillips had a challenging game in Serbia, losing possession and receiving a yellow card. His penalty goal, though, didn’t seem to elevate his standing within the team.
On the other hand, Micah Hamilton, a young winger from the academy, made a memorable debut in Belgrade, scoring a brilliant goal and winning a decisive penalty. His dynamic performance showcased what City had been missing, earning praise from both teammates and fans.
The match also highlighted City’s faith in their academy, with five graduates in the starting XI. Oscar Bobb, in particular, stood out with a remarkable senior club debut, scoring a goal and earning the Player of the Match award. This emphasizes City’s commitment to nurturing local talent.
Matheus Nunes, part of Guardiola’s midfield trio in the Red Star game, showed promise with a bold performance. However, with competition for his preferred position, he faces challenges in securing regular minutes.
The left-back position remains a concern for City, with Sergio Gomez starting in the role against Red Star. Despite decent performances, Gomez hasn’t convinced Guardiola to reconsider his long-term prospects. The left-back situation is further complicated by the competition between Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake.
