FIFA 18 Team of the Year nominations, transfer gossip, and a word from the opposition all feature in your match day media round-up.
Firstly we start with the FIFA nominations...
The Express compiled the lists of the nominated players and explained the process of how the team would be put together: “This year, FIFA 18’s Team of the Year will be voted by carefully curated list of media, athletes and EA SPORTS FIFA community members.
“They will be able to choose players from a shortlist of 55 stars, nominated by EA SPORTS for their real-world performance in 2017.
“Each vote will consist of three attackers, three midfielders, four defenders, and one goalkeeper in a 4-3-3 formation. Each ballot recipient will cast their vote by posting a photo of their team on social media with #TOTYVote by January 12.”
Three City stars made it to the shortlist, one forward, one midfielder and one of our defenders.
Sergio Aguero has been nominated in the forward category, and it’s no wonder when you look at the records he’s been setting over recent months. Most notably – our Argentinian became the club’s highest goal scorer of all time when he overtook Eric Brook’s record after scoring his 178th goal back in November!
Kevin De Bruyne is unsurprisingly nominated in the midfield category after displaying some of the most spectacular passes and assists throughout the year – simply incredible to watch.
City’s final nomination for FIFA’s TOTY comes from our summer signing Kyle Walker, who has slotted into the squad perfectly and made an instant impact since joining. Well done, lads!
Next up, we take a look at the recent transfer gossip surrounding City – and yet again, it’s one name that keeps being rumoured to move to the Etihad.
The Independent has claimed that Alexis Sanchez could be at the club within a week as, according to the newspaper, the club are planning to swoop for the Arsenal winger.
Miguel Delaney writes: “Alexis Sanchez could be a Manchester City player within a week, according to figures close to the Arsenalstriker, as the Premier League leaders prepare another move for the Chilean.
“City had been weighing up whether to move for Sanchez now or wait to get him on a free at the end of the season, having already been denied last summer, but the injury to Gabriel Jesus has persuaded them to act, with dialogue over a potential deal having been re-opened over the weekend.
“On the other side, it is understood that Arsene Wenger is now willing to sanction a sale, having previously been absolutely determined to keep Sanchez.
“Arsenal are holding out for around £35m, but City are hoping to sign him for less than that, given that his contract is up at the end of the campaign.”
Finally we hear from opposition manager, Lee Johnson, ahead of Manchester City’s Carabao Cup clash with his Bristol side.
Speaking in his press conference, the Bristol Post quoted the opposition boss and when asked about Pep Guardiola’s squad he said: “I think they’re up there with the best that England’s ever seen.
“Obviously there’s been some great teams in the past, look at Sir Alex Ferguson’s teams with the class of ‘92 and all that, and the great Liverpool sides, but I think as time goes on I think that more than likely that team will etch itself in history as one of the best teams to ever grace the pitches of England.
“Yeah, and the boys have shown no fear going into these games. I watch the games against Manchester City and some teams drop off and show fear right from the off.
“We’re in credit with our supporters and the competition and that means that we can go and have a go. I’m looking forward to it.”
“It’s going to be a real battle on and off the pitch. For me, personally, to so quickly come up against another world class coach is amazing. I’m looking forward to seeing what I can learn.”
That’s it for your match day media round-up! We will be back tomorrow with the latest City news and transfer gossip…
