A Head-to-Head Analysis of Manchester City and PSG

Ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Ligue 1 side Paris Saint Germain in the second game of the group stages of the Champions League, taking a fine look at both squads in terms of stats and current form has proved for an interesting and exciting game on Tuesday.

Analysis of both team’s current squads will be divided into Goalkeepers, Defenders, Midfielders and Forwards, and being based on the line-ups from PSG’s win against Lyon on the 19th of September and City’s win against Chelsea on the 25th of September.

Goalkeepers:

Ederson Vs Gianluigi Donnarumma

Both fantastic goalkeepers, with Ederson known for his precise footwork and Donnarumma for his large stature and his aerial reach. Donnarumma is only 22 years of age, leaving plenty of room for growth but Ederson is now a seasoned keeper and their stats for last seasons Premier League and Serie A campaign reflect this as such. With Ederson conceding 28 goals in 36 matches compared to Donnarumma’s 38 goals in 37 matches. Since Donnarumma is competing for the position of first pick goalkeeper with Keylor Navas, it is important Navas is also analysed with Navas playing in 29 matches for PSG in Ligue 1 last season, conceding 18 goals. Ederson is a stronger passer and keeps more possession than Navas, proving to have the greater ability in goal.

Defenders:

Thilo Kehrer Vs Kyle Walker

Walker is now a certified starter for Pep’s team, with his fantastic pace, strong passing accuracy and ability to advanced play from the deep. Kehrer has the ability to play both right back and in central defence, and has been great in winning aerial duels for the French team. Both display intrinsic qualities needed for defenders, but Walker’s ability to track back, play long balls and win tackles proves stronger than that of Kehrer’s. It is likely that Pochettino will play Achraf Hakimi at right back on Tuesday night’s clash, and Hakimi’s fantastic passing, dribbling and speed on the ball at only 22 proves him to be the strongest out of both Kehrer and Walker.

Marquinhos Vs Ruben Dias

Dias became City’s super signing last season, having calmed and strengthened a nervous defence following the departure of club legend Vincent Kompany. Marquinhos has played for PSG since the 2013-14 season and has won the league 6 times, demonstrating clear consistency for the French team throughout his time with them. This clash between two extremely solid defenders will ensure trouble for both team’s attack on Tuesday.

Presnel Kimpembe Vs Aymeric Laporte

Both solid defenders for PSG and Manchester City. Kimpembe however does prove to be of stronger ability to that of Laporte with greater passing accuracy, shooting and defensive action last season. Laporte has also had his struggles with injuries and battling for a first team pick with John Stones, who has maintained a fortified defence with Ruben Dias last season. Stones has also recently been injured, so to whether Pep will play Laporte or Stones is questionable.

Nuno Mendes Vs Joao Cancelo

Pursuit for Nuno Mendes fell short over the summer for City amid struggles to find a strong left back, but Joao Cancelo has consistently proved his ability in any position Pep plays him in. Mendes was stronger in terms of passing accuracy, defensive action and possession than Cancelo last season, but only marginally, and given Cancelo is primarily a right back, his ability to play at the level he does at left back is markedly impressive.

Midfielders:

Angel Di Maria Vs Bernardo Silva

Both have 1 goal in this season’s Premier League and Ligue 1 with 3 shots on goal, with Di Maria scoring 5 goals and 11 assists in 27 appearances last season and Bernardo scoring 2 goals and 6 assists in 26 appearances respectively. Both can display excellent performances when it matters so Tuesday’s clash will prove exciting.

Ander Herrera Vs Phil Foden

Herrera has had a solid start to PSG’s campaign in Ligue 1, having scored 3 goals in 8 appearances and 2 assists, but Foden’s abilities are much stronger. Only 21, Foden’s ability to run with the ball, create chances and score fantastic goals proves him to be one of the world class youngsters currently. Having registered 9 goals and 5 assists in the Premier League last season, Foden’s potential is only just coming to fruition.

Lionel Messi Vs Kevin De Bruyne

Both team’s star players, KDB has proved time and time again his instrumental power to create chances, score goals and provide sensational passing. KDB would be the better of any midfielder, which the exception of course to Lionel Messi. Arguably the greatest player of all time, Messi had consistently scored over 20 goals every season for Barcelona, scoring 30 in 35 appearances for the Spanish side last season. His technical ability proves unmatched and the threat to the Blues will prove for an nervous watch.

Idrissa Gueye Vs Rodri

Rodri has been a seemingly underrated player for the Blues, and has display consistent performances throughout his time at the club. Rodri possessed strong shooting, passing and defensive action in comparison to Gueye, registering 2 goals and 2 assists to Gueye’s 2 goals and 1 assist respectively. Rodri has also created more chances and held more possession, giving him the stronger edge over Gueye.

Neymar Jr Vs Jack Grealish

Both key players for PSG and Manchester City. Neymar scored a respectable 9 goals and 5 assists in 18 appearances for PSG last season, with Grealish scoring 6 goals and 10 assists in 26 appearances for his former club Aston Villa. Grealish was stronger both in passing accuracy, shooting and defensive action but Neymar has proved his fantastic ability dribbling and proved crucial in his former teams of Barcelona and Santos. Although Grealish shows fantastic promise to blossom in Pep’s team, Neymar’s technical ability and history to perform in huge games does prove him to be stronger currently.

Forwards

Kylian Mbappe Vs Gabriel Jesus

Crucial forwards needed for both PSG and Manchester City. Mbappe a world renowned young talent known for his ability to run with the ball and cut inside from both wings, as well as being a top goal scorer. Jesus is now taking a front seat in the City team with the departure of striker Sergio Aguero, and has scored 2 goals in 6 appearances for the Blues this season. Mbappe scored an impressive 27 goals in 31 appearances for PSG last season, in comparison to Jesus’ 9 goals in 29 appearances. Whilst Jesus is finding his feet as the clubs only out and out striker, Mbappe’s ability is stronger in all aspects against the Brazilian.