The replay of the 2023 UEFA Champions League final was one of the expected highlights of Gameweek 1 but, truthfully, it failed to live up to expectations.
A stout defensive performance from Inter’s well-drilled backline proved to be enough to keep Manchester City at bay throughout the 90 minutes at the Etihad Stadium, with both teams ultimately having to settle for a point.
So who performed well for Man City, and who failed to make an impact?
Here’s City’s best and worst players in the 0-0 draw, according to 90min’s esteemed player ratings.
Rodri: 7/10
Is there a time when Rodri isn’t Man City’s best player?
Probably not.
The holding midfielder made his first start of the 2024/25 campaign on Wednesday evening – delayed by a hamstring injury suffered in the Euro 2024 final – and performed to as high a level as ever.
Although he didn’t manage to score the winning goal like he did in their Champions League final encounter, Rodri did pretty much everything else in the middle of the park – completing 93% of his passes, winning four duels and recovering possession an impressive nine times for his side. Top class.
Honourable mention
Ruben Dias: 7/10
While much praise was given to Inter’s backline after the game, City’s deserves a tip of the cap too.
The best of the bunch at the back for Pep Guardiola’s side was Ruben Dias, who made pretty light work of Marcus Thuram during the France international’s 66 minutes on the pitch.
The defender also impressed on the ball too, completing 93% of his passes.
Kevin De Bruyne: 4/10
Yep, Kevin De Bruyne.
It’s a weird one, but there’s a reason for it.
De Bruyne didn’t look like himself in the first half of the game thanks to an injury he was dealing with, and was rightfully subbed off at half-time because of it.
Man City fans will be hoping he can recover in time for the heavyweight clash with Arsenal this weekend.
