Manchester City have took to the 2011/12 season like a freight train,
loosened from the shackled version of yester-season. Their ascendancy
has been a stunted one, agonizing the city fans who have seen their
transition from European-place contenders, to, ultimately, contenders
for the best team in the league over a few seasons.
They've had to evolve in slow revolutions starting with Sven Goran
Eriksson's Elano inspired team. Without Champions League football,
Manchester City's appeal has been diluted against Europe's elite
teams. They have originally had to pay a premium for what could be
considered a “B-class” of players, in the ilk of Emmanuel
Adebeyour, Joleon Lescott, Wayne Bridge; players who would form a
very good Premier League side, but would never be in contention for
winning the league title.
Now,
with Champions League football achieved after finishing joint second
– behind Chelsea on only goal difference – they can attract the
greatest talent that the world has to offer, however all the time
still having very expensive “B-class” players waiting in the
wings (reserves) for their chance or move. But, being on such high
wages, and thinking that they are worth their premium sheik-endorsed
wages - in excess of £100,000
a week - to the other Premiership clubs, who simply don't have that
money and don't value them for that money, it doesn't appear feasible
to sign them.
The building project has left City with thirty players who are on
extortionate wages, many of whom City have no intention of playing in
the first team, and many of whom have no real desire to leave having
been on these premium wages which they aren't likely to get anywhere
else. (Craig Bellamy has actually said as much quite literally before
his deadline-day move to Liverpool.)
City now possess a Premier League squad of 25 players who are more
than capable of winning the Premier League and, maybe, even the
Champions League. Genuine world class is littered throughout their
team having hen-pecked the best players throughout the Premier League
from lesser teams (Gareth Barry, James Milner, Adam Johnson) and from
across Europe (Dzeko, Aguero, Silva, De Jong) as well as some top
class teams, too (Yaya Toure). They have formed a lucid and expansive
team. Strong in defence, crucifying in attack.
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| The jewel in City's crown. |
Tonight, they start their first ever Champions League campaign
against Napoli. They are in the hardest group to qualify for the
knockout championships. But, their ascendancy was marked by the
camera shot of Frank Ribery holding his head in his hands once it was
announced that Bayern Munich, one of Europe's most decorated teams in
European competition. Nasri, Tevez, Dzeko, Aguero, Silva, Johnson,
Balotelli: a frightening attack.
The blue half of Manchester now has a serious team, in serious risk
of winning trophies. All to the Barclays Premier League's benefit.
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