4 Players Who Need a Strong End to the Season to Secure Their Future With Man City
Manchester City have been a dominant force in the Premier League this season and the club have now claimed their first piece of silverware in the form of the Carabao Cup.
Realistically, the team have been so good and so compliant of Pep Guardiola's demands that it's hard to argue any of the current squad are fighting for their futures at the Etihad Stadium.
That said though, here are four names who could do with a strong finish to the season to make absolutely sure they'll still be at the club next season.
4. Vincent Kompany
It was fantastic to see Vincent Kompany get on the scoresheet in the Carabao Cup final and play a starring role in the game on the way to lifting the trophy.
The Belgian leader has been utterly blighted by injuries over the past few years, which is a shame because on his day, Kompany is one of the very best around.
Sadly, there are always question marks over Kompany's ability to stay fit for more than just a handful of games. If he can just steer clear of injury for the final couple of months through careful management, then captain Kompany's future as a player at the club will be in the bag.
3. Phil Foden
Young midfielder Phil Foden could well be the future of Manchester City - the fact that he is already getting some game time whilst surrounded by superstars is a testament to his ability.
It could well be that City sew up the Premier League title early this year, and so Foden could be afforded even more chances to shine in the English top flight to prove to everybody, including his manager he can cut it.
The 17-year-old could do with a strong finish to convince Guardiola it isn't worth loaning him out next season, a notion the Spaniard has actually dismissed in the past.
2. Brahim Diaz
The yin to Foden's yang, Brahim Diaz is another precocious talent at the Etihad Stadium who is just biding his time; waiting for a chance to make his mark properly in the starting XI.
Diaz has only made seven appearances for City this term totalling just an hour of actual pitch time, but as in Foden's case, he could be afforded more chances if they can wrap up the title early.
If that proves to be the case, the 18-year-old is likely to be given the chance to stake his claim to be a part of things under Guardiola again next season. He needs a strong finish to avoid the prospect of going out on loan - not that that would be a bad thing.
1. Danilo
Signed for £26.5m last summer from Real Madrid, Danilo arrived at the Etihad Stadium with big expectations. The Brazilian may have made 23 appearances this term, but he has not really convinced where most of his teammates have sparkled.
There are times where he gets caught out of position, his passing can be askew and he doesn't look comfortable at left-back - hence Fabian Delph's excellent conversion to the position.
He needs a strong couple of months now to prove that he does indeed have a future at the Etihad Stadium, before Guardiola shells out another £50m on a new full-back and sticks unconvincing Danilo on the transfer list.