Every Bristol City player ranked from worst to best - according to intriguing AI verdict

Bristol City are sat in 7th place in the Championship table as they look to get into the play-offs. They are only outside the top six on goal difference behind West Brom. Liam Manning’s side won 2-1 at home to Norwich City in their last outing before the international break after goals by Mark Sykes and Nahki Wells.

The Robins are back in action this weekend with a tricky away trip to Turf Moor to lock horns with automatic promotion hopefuls Burnley. In the meantime, we have asked AI (Grok) to list the Robins’ players from the worst ability to the best. This was the response...

Bristol City’s worst players ranked by AI

AI have ranked Lewis Thomas, Raphael Araoye, Elijah Morrison, Josh Campbell-Slowey, Stefan Bajic, Duncan Idehen, Herry Leeson in their ‘lower tier’ category. Regarding goalkeeper Bajic, AI has said: “Likely a backup to Max O’Leary. If he’s not playing regularly, his impact is minimal, placing him lower in "ability" rankings based on contribution.”

Kal Naismith, who is out on loan at Luton Town, then begins the ‘lower mid tier’ section. Ayman Benarous, Adam Murphy, Jamie Knight-Lebel, Sam Bell and Harry Cornick are then included. AI has said about the latter: “Squad player with modest output Rarely starts. Workmanlike ability but not a standout in ability.”

In terms of ‘mid tier’ players, summer signing Fally Mayulu has been described by AI as someone who is ‘adapting to Championship’ football and is ‘not yet a game-changer’, hence why he was loaned out to Sturm Graz in January. George Earthy, Taylor Gardner-Hickman, Hayden Roberts, Cameron Pring, Joe Williams and Mark Sykes are also ranked the same.

Bristol City’s best players ranked by AI

AI believes Yu Hirakawa, Zak Vyner, Ross McCrorie, Rob Dickie, Nahki Wells and Sinclair Armstrong are ‘upper tier’ players. Wells, who scored against Norwich last time out, has been described as ‘A proven scorer at this level. His experience and finishing ability rank him high.’

In terms of ‘top tier’ performers, Jason Knight, Scott Twine, Max O’Leary and Anis Mehmeti find themselves based here. In regards to Mehmeti, AI has said: “Top performer, leading scorer or creator. Flair, goals, and impact make him the best.” The 24-year-old has scored 12 league goals in 35 matches in this campaign. He joined the Robins from Wycombe Wanderers in 2023 and has adapted well to the step up to the second tier since then and has become one of his current club’s most prized assets.

He said in an interview last year that Wells has had a positive impact on him: “I’d probably say he’s one of my closest mates here. He’s always telling me areas to put the ball in, different runs he makes. He’s a top player. I can’t speak highly enough of him. There have been games where he hasn’t played; he didn’t start the season playing and he wants to play. Now he’s showing what type of player he really is. Off the pitch, he’s a legend.”