With the assistance of our readers, Mail Sport is dedicating efforts to identify the greatest player of all time for each of the 20 Premier League clubs.
Today, we turn our attention to the iconic figures of Manchester City, from the goal-scoring legend Erik Brook of the 1930s, through the likes of Mike Summerbee and Colin Bell, to current heroes such as Kevin De Bruyne.
Once you decide who you believe is the greatest of all, it’s time to cast your vote.
Manchester City has always been a prominent club, but their claim to eight league titles in the last 13 seasons, alongside remarkable achievements in knockout competitions, including winning the Champions League in 2023, has elevated them to unprecedented heights.
For an impressive 78 years, Eric Brook held the title of the club’s all-time leading scorer, with 177 goals from 1928 to 1939. He played a key role in their 1934 FA Cup Final victory and was a key player in their first championship-winning season of 1936-37.
Peter Doherty was a brilliant goalscorer for Manchester City, pictured here in 1936
Goalkeeper Bert Trautmann had an important part to play in modern British history
However, Brook didn’t finish as the top scorer that year—Peter Doherty took that honor with 32 goals, making him the top marksman in the First Division.
The legendary Len Shackleton regarded Doherty as the ‘genius of geniuses’, and the Northern Irish forward brought a sophisticated flair that distinguished City from the more rugged play typical of the period.
The late 1960s marked another illustrious era for City, as they claimed the league championship, FA Cup, and European Cup-Winners’ Cup under the management duo of Joe Mercer and Malcolm Allison.
Goalkeeper Bert Trautmann played a significant role in modern British history. After remaining in England post-1945 as a German prisoner-of-war, he became a beloved figure, particularly after famously continuing to play despite suffering a broken neck to ensure City’s FA Cup victory over Birmingham in 1956.
Striker Francis Lee, who later became chairman after a successful business career, was known for his robust presence and marked the beginning of City’s rise following his £60,000 transfer from Bolton.
He delivered a crucial goal in City’s decisive 4-3 victory over Newcastle that clinched the 1968 championship, renowned for his prowess in winning and taking penalties, the most critical of which was in 1970 when City triumphed over Gornik Zabrze of Poland to secure their first European trophy.
Winger Mike Summerbee added a touch of glamour reminiscent of his close friend George Best across town.
Mike Summerbee helped lead City to promotion and is regarded as a club legend
When ‘Buzzer’ joined the club from Swindon in 1965, City was competing in the Second Division. Summerbee played a fundamental role in their promotion during his first season, and within two years, they were crowned champions of England. He continues to be a prominent ambassador for the club.
Colin Bell earned 48 caps for his country, with potentially more appearances curtailed by a serious knee injury that cut his career short at the age of 29.
Bell, celebrated for his midfield dynamism, was affectionately nicknamed ‘Nijinsky’ after the legendary racehorse due to his remarkable running ability and diverse goal-scoring skills, from opportunistic finishes to spectacular long-range strikes.
He sadly passed away in 2021, and in tribute to his legacy, there is a stand named in his honor at The Etihad Stadium.
Colin Bell scored all kinds of goals and is remembered very fondly at the club
Defender Alan Oakes provided unparalleled reliability, having appeared 680 times for The Citizens—more than anyone else. He served the club from 1959 to 1976, and many believe he would have earned an England cap if it weren’t for competition with Bobby Moore during his prime.
Oakes’ only notable mistake came during his debut at just 17 when he conceded a penalty, which was saved by Trautmann.
The purchase of City by Abu Dhabi owners in 2008 signified a transformative period for the club, ushering in a new chapter.
Vincent Kompany arrived just before the takeover and soon became the club captain as they began their domestic dominance.
Despite battling injuries, Kompany’s long-range effort against Leicester in 2019 was voted Goal of the Season and saw City narrowly edge out Liverpool in a thrilling title race.
A short time later, he concluded his England career by lifting the FA Cup after a 6-0 victory over Watford at Wembley, completing an extraordinary domestic treble for City.
Vincent Kompany was the perfect leader for City and helped bring in the glory era
Sergio Aguero scored 260 goals for the club but none more important than this one against QPR to clinch the Premier League title
The most iconic goal in City’s history was undoubtedly scored by Sergio Aguero in the final moments against QPR in 2012, which clinched the club’s first Premier League title at the expense of their rivals United.
This moment was one of his astounding 260 total goals for City, a record that broke Brook’s long-standing achievement in 2017, along with a tally of 15 trophies including five league titles.
While Aguero was the deadly finisher, David Silva was the creative mastermind behind the scenes. The Spaniard shattered the stereotype that only physically strong players could thrive in English football.
Known as ‘Merlin’ by his teammates due to his magical skills on the ball, the slight Silva facilitated Pep Guardiola in successfully implementing a tiki-taka style reminiscent of Barcelona in England.
In 2018, the club achieved an unprecedented 100-point season, winning 32 of 38 matches, with Silva orchestrating everything from midfield.
This marked Guardiola’s inaugural Premier League title out of six, with both Ederson and Kevin De Bruyne playing pivotal roles in all of them.
David Silva was a magician and made the team tick during his sensational time at City
Kevin de Bruyne is arguably the greatest midfielder of the last decade in the Premier League
De Bruyne is widely acknowledged as one of the all-time greats—perhaps the very best—ever to grace the Premier League. His vision and precision passing, complemented by a record 112 assists, ranks only behind Ryan Giggs, who played in the division for two decades.
‘The presence, consistency, and impressive stats have been remarkable,’ says an appreciative Guardiola.
Acquiring Ederson in 2017 allowed Guardiola’s City to implement the style he envisioned. The Brazilian is not only fearless and dynamic but also possesses extraordinary footwork for a goalkeeper, enabling him to influence the play from the back.
He’s equally proficient at his primary duties; his instinctive save from Inter’s Robin Gosens during injury time was crucial for City’s victory in the 2023 Champions League final, parallel to Rodri’s goal.
To cast your vote for the greatest Manchester City player, click the voting button or email greatest@dailymail.co.uk if you wish to nominate someone not listed.
We will announce the results for the greatest all-time player for each of the 20 Premier League clubs before the commencement of the 2024/25 season.
