Manchester City have suffered a disappointing season by their own very high standards, failing to keep up with the incredible pace set by champions-elect Liverpool.

Pep Guardiola's side went into the campaign looking to become the first team since Manchester United in 2009 to win the title three years in a row, and they were heavy favourites to do so having amassed a remarkable 198 points over the previous two seasons.

However, when the coronavirus stopped play they found themselves 25 points adrift of Jurgen Klopp's side, albeit with a game in hand.

Man City do still sit second in the Premier League table, although as things stand they will be without European football for the next two seasons due to a UEFA-imposed ban.

Here, the Sports Mole team select who they believe has been Man City's player of the season.

Barney Corkhill, Editor: Kevin De Bruyne

In a squad teeming with world-class players it takes a truly special talent to stand head and shoulders above the rest, and Kevin De Bruyne has been by far Man City's best player this season.

The Belgian's assist record stands out and he has a very good chance of surpassing the all-time single-season mark of 20 currently held by Thierry Henry, but that is by no means the only statistic to back up De Bruyne's status as the Premier League's pass-master.

The 28-year-old leads the division for most through-balls, chances created, big chances created, successful passes into the final third and successful crosses and corners, while he has also attempted more shots than any other Man City player.

Throw in eight goals of his own and De Bruyne's name is right in the mix for the overall player of the season award too.

Matt Law, Football Editor: Kevin De Bruyne

It has not quite been the season that City would have hoped for thus far, but De Bruyne's performance level has again been very, very high.

A record of eight goals and 16 assists in 26 Premier League appearances is an indication of his contribution, and it would probably be fair to say that he is City's most important player.

De Bruyne's average of 56.5 passes per match in the Premier League this season is also extremely impressive, while he has managed just under four key passes per game in England's top flight this term.

The Belgian can be very pleased with his contribution during the 2019-20 campaign and in my view deserves City's Player of the Season award.

Darren Plant, Senior Reporter: Kevin De Bruyne

Given the relatively low amount of minutes it has taken him to contribute seven goals and eight assists, Riyad Mahrez is an underrated contender in this category.

However, you cannot ignore Kevin De Bruyne, who has recovered from a significant injury last season to star for Manchester City. The Belgian's eight strikes and 16 assists do not tell the whole story, with the playmaker having a hand in far more of City's goals.

His efforts will not lead to City retaining their Premier League crown, but the 28-year-old will head into the next campaign with an enhanced reputation.

Dan Lewis, Senior Reporter: Kevin De Bruyne

Who else? He has arguably been the best player anywhere in the Premier League this season, even if Manchester City have been second best to Liverpool throughout.

No player has created more chances than De Bruyne's 96 in the division, leading to a whopping 16 assists.

He also has eight top-flight goals, while also impressing in the Champions League with a goal and assist in the victory over Real Madrid prior to the coronavirus-enforced shutdown.

Ben Knapton, Reporter: Kevin De Bruyne

This is a relatively easy one for me; Kevin De Bruyne has been a cut above the rest for Pep Guardiola's side and is arguably the Premier League's player of the season as well.

The Belgian has shown what he is truly capable of following an injury-hit campaign last season, registering eight goals and 16 assists in England's top flight this term. A plethora of world-class footballers make up Guardiola's team, but De Bruyne is the one who really lights up the pitch when he receives the ball.

With the prospect of a two-year ban from European football on the horizon, it is imperative that City do everything in their power to keep hold of the 28-year-old.

The current Premier League champions have failed to mount a successful defence of their 2018-19 title, but the Manchester giants would be far worse off without De Bruyne dictating the tempo.