On a night when the European champions’ next generation were given a chance to prove their worth, two 20-year-olds stole the show

Manchester City not only have the best team in the world, they have the best academy system in the world, as Micah Hamilton and Oscar Bobb proved with two outstanding displays and a goal apiece in a 3-2 win over Red Star Belgrade.

Pep Guardiola’s side had already sealed top spot in Champions League Group G and the coach made nine changes, but his side still had far too much for the Serbian champions, even though the hosts put up a fight late in the game.

Hamilton marked his first senior appearance with a brilliant goal in the first half while fellow 20-year-old Bobb, who has already made a big impression this season, struck an even better one in the second half. South Korea international Hwang In-beom pegged City back with a goal for the hosts but Hamilton then won a penalty and Kalvin Phillips took it to score his first goal for the club despite another below-par display.

There was still time for Aleksandar Katai to reduce the deficit in added time but City held on to claim their sixth win in six games. Below, GOAL rates Man City’s players at the Marakana…

Goalkeeper & Defence

Stefan Ortega (6/10):

Always alert to the danger and his kicking was spot-on. Couldn’t do much about the goal.

Rico Lewis (7/10):

Dominant on the ball and was the key to City’s fluid movement.

John Stones (7/10):

Showed his experience and class in a highly professional performance.

Manuel Akanji (7/10):

Strong and composed.

Sergio Gomez (5/10):

At fault for Red Star’s second goal and, rather like Phillips, does not belong in a squad of City’s level.

Midfield

Kalvin Phillips (6/10):

Scored his first goal for City which must have been a relief but still looked out of place in the team and his sloppy passing ran his side into trouble.

Mateo Kovacic (7/10):

Gave the team composure and allowed them to boss the first half.

Matheus Nunes (7/10):

Made the most of a rare start after dropping out of the team, driving City forward with purpose.

Attack

Micah Hamilton (9/10):

His first senior outing for City could hardly have gone better. Produced a spectacular run and finish to score then his trickery won the penalty.

Oscar Bobb (8/10):

An exceptional performance topped by a splendid individual goal. All the more impressive given he was playing as a striker, an unfamiliar role for him.

Jack Grealish (5/10):

Came in for some rough treatment from the hosts and was taken off at half-time.

Subs & Manager

Phil Foden (6/10):

Replaced Grealish at half-time but didn’t really impose himself on the game.

Mahamadou Susoho (N/A):

Made his senior debut in the 74th minute.

Bernardo Silva (N/A):

Introduced in the 82nd minute.

Nathan Ake (N/A):

Replaced Stones in the 86th minute.

Pep Guardiola (7/10):

Rested most of his regulars but still picked a competitive team while giving a select bunch of youngsters their chance to shine.