Player Ratings: Manchester City 2-1 Club América (Pre-Season Friendly)

Three new signings made their debuts as Manchester City kicked off pre-season with a victory over Mexican outfit, Club América in Houston.

Kalvin Phillips started on the bench as Pep Guardiola named a strong XI that included Stefan Ortega and Julián Álvarez. 

Young centre-back Luke Mbete received a start, while Phillips, Cole Palmer and Josh Wilson-Esbrand came off the bench at half time for some valuable minutes.

There was no sign of star striker Erling Haaland, however, who remained in the stands.

A brace from Kevin De Bruyne proved the difference as City came away the victors, but there’s plenty more to talk about in the aftermath of the game.

Here’s how City Xtra rated the players in Texas, with the FA Community Shield looming…

Stefan Ortega - 6/10

Here to compete with Ederson, new man Ortega was called into action from just the third minute. He was clearly comfortable venturing well outside the area and passing it short, two essentials in a Pep Guardiola side, but he’ll be disappointed with the Martín goal.

Kyle Walker - 6/10

With all the talk of new full-backs potentially signing, it’s easy to forget that Walker is still very much a starting player for City. He looked sharp and ready for the season, and well in-sync with Ortega.

Luke Mbete - 7/10

The only academy youngster in the starting lineup, Mbete slotted into the side very nicely and never seemed shy with the ball at his feet. One surprisingly heavy tackle didn’t detract from an otherwise composed performance.

Nathan Aké - 6/10

Days after it was decided that he won’t be going to Chelsea this summer, the Netherlands international was the senior centre-back for Guardiola’s side. For the most part, he did well before being substituted at half-time. 

Joao Cancelo - 7/10

The freshly appointed #7 played in a notably central position, even by Guardiola standards, as he operated much more like a midfielder than a defender. He was booked in the first half for a couple of fouls and subbed off before the second.

Rodri - 7/10

Looked sharp and ready for the season, which bodes well given how vital he was last campaign.

Bernardo Silva - 7/10

As he often does when partnering De Bruyne, Bernardo seemed happy to focus on defensive work and providing an option in possession. Should be an important piece of the puzzle against Liverpool next week. 

Kevin De Bruyne - 8.5/10 (MOTM)

At no point did De Bruyne feel like he was playing a meaningless friendly. The Belgium star played with plenty of intensity and determination, and he scored the opener from range in typical KDB fashion. His second was a deft finish just before the break. Understandably, his weight of passing was a little out of sync. 

Riyad Mahrez - 7/10

The way the first half worked out meant that Mahrez didn’t get too much of the ball, but his assist for De Bruyne right at the end of the half was brilliant and deserves plenty of credit. It was his last action before being taken off. 

Julián Álvarez - 7/10

All the talk pre-season has been around Haaland, but the lesser-hyped new boy Álvarez put in a characteristically energetic shift and used the ball smartly. He looks ready to get regular minutes for City- but we knew that already. 

Jack Grealish - 6/10

After bedding in last year, there’s a feeling amongst City fans that this could be a big season for Jack Grealish. The forward was heavily involved, but things didn’t always come off for him. Even in a friendly, he was the target of some deeply unnecessary fouls and was even booed by opposition fans.

Substitutes:

Josh Wilson-Esbrand - 7/10

Some really nice moments from the left-back, who’s reportedly a candidate for more minutes next year, as he showed plenty of confidence going forward and helping out in defence.

Kalvin Phillips - 6/10

In typical Guardiola style, Phillips played his first City minutes as a central defender. He played well, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see him used there in the regular season if City try a back three. 

Cole Palmer - 6/10

Positive and exciting, just as he was in his limited minutes last season. If he can avoid injury this year, Palmer surely has an important role to play as understudy to Mahrez. 

Liam Delap - 6/10

Got twenty minutes towards the end of the game and played with plenty of energy and aggression.

James McAtee - 6/10

Came on midway through the second half. 

Rico Lewis - 6/10

One of the newer academy players in the touring squad, who got a quarter of an hour to end the game.

Kayky - 6/10

Deployed on the left wing for his late cameo.