Fans of Manchester City have been reacting to a post on Twitter, which highlights Nicolas Otamendi’s stats from City’s ‘Centurion’ season in 2017/18.
According to the post, Otamendi stats from the 2017/18 season included 34 Premier League appearances, four goals, 14 clean sheets, 10 blocks, 48 interceptions, 58 tackles won, 122 clearances, 76 headed clearances and 79 aerial battles won, as well as being named in the PFA Team of the Year.
In reaction to the post, which was published by City Chief on Twitter, fans of the club have flocked to have their say on the stats, with many questioning why Otamendi’s performances over the last two seasons have not reached the same standard as the 2017/18 season, while others have stated that some City fans do not award the centre-back as much credit as he deserves.
?| Nicolas Otamendi in Centurion (2017/18) Season:
Games: 34
Goals: 4
Clean Sheets: 14
Goals Concedes: 25
Blocks: 10
Interceptions: 48
Tackles Won: 58
Clearances: 122
Headed Clearances: 76
Aerial Battles Won: 79PFA Team of the Year ? pic.twitter.com/LEf4SytnXw
— City Chief (@City_Chief) March 24, 2020
what happened
— ?? (@21SlLVA) March 24, 2020
Sad to see the way he dipped after this season
— Omeg ?? (@omegmcfc) March 24, 2020
He’s not the worst defender he just makes a few shocking mistakes, maybe like 4-5 a season he really isn’t that bad
— Iestyn Silcox (@IestynSilcox) March 24, 2020
He needs protection he looks awfull when gundogan plays in number 6.
I was rewatching some games from time to time otamendi has dipped but the first problem is gundo who’s so slow he let Nico makes reckless decisions— Misstressaidan (@misstressaidan) March 24, 2020
We as a fan don’t appreciate him. yes he make silly tackles but at the same time makes get block and with the ball with his power.
— Anuj Chase (@Anujchase) March 24, 2020
He’s an amazing defender. We know that
— RObi-Wan (@RObiWan19) March 25, 2020
A fantastic servant to the club
— nicolas ford (@eastmain778) March 24, 2020
What do we think?
Statistically speaking, Otamendi’s performances have actually been in decline since before the 2017/18 campaign.
In his first season with City, the Argentina international averaged a WhoScored match rating of 7.47 over 30 Premier League appearances, which increased to 7.49 in 2016/17.
From then on, however, the £16.2 million-rated defender’s performances have been in decline, with a rating of 7.13 in 2017/18, followed by 6.98 in 2018/19 – with his current rating of 6.77 so far this season the worst in his time with the club.
Despite this, it is clear that many City fans do appreciate what the Argentine has achieved at City, which has included two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, four League Cups and two Community Shields.