5 players who have been disappointing with their performances this season

4. Nicolas Otamendi

Nicolas Otamendi

With the unexpected departure of Vincent Kompany in the summer, this was meant to be the season where Nicolas Otamendi firmly staked his place in Pep Guardiola’s plans. Instead, the Argentinean’s stock has hit rock bottom this season with Pep even refusing to start him on many an occasion. That’s not even the worst bit, the Spanish manager has decided to play a 34-year-old defensive midfielder in Fernandinho ahead of him at centre-back.

It all started at an away game at Carrow Road, where the reigning champions were dismantled by the newly promoted Norwich. It was a game that saw Teemu Pukki run Otamendi ragged for 90 minutes, leading to a 3-2 win for the Canaries. Now the 32-year-old goes into each game week wondering whether or not he’ll be in the starting line-up, such has been the poor standard of performances he’s produced. It’s clear that Pep no longer trusts the defender and his days at the Etihad may be all but numbered.