A new core and 23 players used – analysing Man City’s team selections

At 23 players used so far this season, nobody else in the league has used as many different players as Manchester City. There is much to learn in the way that City have lined up in the opening four games of the Premier League season.

On top of the fact that no other side in the league has used as many players as City, there are other patterns that have emerged, such as a new core of the squad and a trust in youth.

Six players have featured in every single City game so far this season. They are Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez, Kyle Walker, Rodri, Phil Foden and Ederson.

READ MORE: Bernardo backs up Pep's contract claim and spares Haaland's blushes

READ MORE Man City cash in on Champions League win while rival fans fume

Only injury has stopped Mateo Kovacic from being an ever-present and it is perhaps surprising that summer signing has been trusted to quite this degree early on . Of course, the former Chelsea man has made many a Premier League appearance and his presence in the side so far perhaps goes to show just how much a player of the Gundogan role, who Kovacic was brought to replace, is valued at City.

It will also please many to see Julian Alvarez have such prominence in the side. The Argentine had a lesser role at City last season but has featured in all of City’s games so far. The 23-year-old is reportedly a target for Real Madrid in the summer window but City will not want to let such a talented young player leave and are perhaps showing Alvarez he has a solid future at City.

Kovacic's impressive start to his City career overlaps with the arrival of Matheus Nunes, who made his City debut as a sub at West Ham. Jeremy Doku has already impressed in his opening minutes of Premier League football.

£77m signing