In a stunning display of squad depth, Pep Guardiola has assembled what many are calling the “best bench in history” for Manchester City’s highly anticipated clash against Chelsea. With the Premier League title already secured thanks to Nottingham Forest’s victory over Arsenal, Guardiola seized the opportunity to rotate his squad, opting for a star-studded bench that amassed a jaw-dropping value of £490 million.
Headlining this formidable cast of substitutes is Jack Grealish, who holds the distinction of being the former Premier League transfer record holder, costing City a staggering £100 million. Grealish’s arrival at the Etihad Stadium last summer was met with great excitement, and his inclusion as a substitute further underlines City’s incredible depth and financial prowess.
Joining Grealish on the bench are two highly influential midfielders, Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri, who were acquired for £66 million and £61 million, respectively. Their presence as substitutes not only highlights the wealth of talent at Guardiola’s disposal but also serves as a testament to their exceptional abilities.
In defense, City boasts the services of Ruben Dias and John Stones, who were signed for £62 million and £48 million, respectively. Their availability from the bench serves as a stark reminder of the defensive solidity that City possesses throughout their squad. Guardiola can call upon these commanding figures to reinforce his backline should the need arise.
In goal, regular shot-stopper Ederson was given a well-deserved rest, making way for his understudy, Stefan Ortega, to take the stage. Ederson, a £35 million signing, has been a vital cog in City’s success, but Guardiola’s confidence in his backup highlights the level of trust he has in his entire squad.
Notably absent from the starting lineup is Erling Haaland, the sensational Norwegian striker who broke records with his goal-scoring exploits. In his place, Guardiola handed the reins to Julian Alvarez, an exciting prospect in his own right. The inclusion of Haaland on the bench further emphasizes the incredible depth at City’s disposal.
The wealth of talent extends to the bench with the inclusion of Bernardo Silva, a mid-week hero in the Champions League, who was acquired for £43 million. His creative abilities and versatility make him an invaluable asset, even from a substitute role.
Completing this formidable lineup of substitutes is Ilkay Gundogan, whose price tag of £23 million makes him the cheapest among City’s bench players. Despite his relatively lower cost, Gundogan has consistently proven his worth on the pitch, and his presence adds yet another dimension to Guardiola’s tactical options.
Social media exploded with excitement and admiration for City’s extraordinary bench strength. One fan couldn’t contain their enthusiasm, exclaiming, “That bench is literally going to win the Champions League.” Another fan pondered whether City’s bench was the best starting bench ever witnessed in football history, while yet another gushed, “The greatest bench in history.” The sentiment echoed across platforms, with many proclaiming City’s bench as the finest in the annals of football.
