Manchester City have seen the perfect start to life under new manager Pep Guardiola.
The Citizens claimed all three points on their opening day fixture in the Premier League, while also securing victory over Steaua Bucharest in the first-leg of the Champions League qualification play-off early this morning – beating the Romanian side 5-0 away from home to all but guarantee a place in this season’s tournament.
The transfer window is still open though and by the looks of it Guardiola is still eyeing at least one big signing. Barcelona’s Claudio Bravo has been heavily linked with a move to the Etihad, as Joe Hart prepares to bid farewell after his 10-year-spell with the Sky blues.
As the Spaniard makes the final few tweaks to his side, Outside90’s Rahul Dantes looks at the three players who might have a heavy influence on City being successful this campaign.
Sergio Aguero
There is no doubting that Sergio Aguero will have a big part to play under Guardiola. The Argentine has been one of the most consistent strikers in the whole of Europe over the last few seasons, even despite his struggles with injury. Guardiola is yet to sign another hitman and if Aguero can remain fit throughout the campaign, he might not have to.
The 28-year-old opened his account against Sunderland by netting a composed penalty. He added three more to his tally against Steaua Bucharest and managed that after missing two spot-kicks in the progress. Aguero already looks to have reached top form with only two games played, which are signs that he stands to flourish under Guardiola’s style of play.
Sergio Aguero’s 2016 in the Premier League:
19 appearances
18 goalsUnrivalled. pic.twitter.com/Qq8mHdMGTt
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 13, 2016
David Silva
David Silva has, for the most part of his career, played in the No.10 role just behind the striker. But with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling and Nolito likely to operate as the attacking-midfielders, Guardiola has chosen to play Silva in a more deeper position. The 30-year-old setup alongside Fernandinho in the heart of the midfield, but was given more freedom to move around and influence the game. The new responsibility comes as nothing new to the diminutive Spaniard, having operated in a similar role during his early days with Valencia.
The Spaniard is one of the best creative midfielders in the game today and a freer role in the City midfield could see him at his very best.
John Stones
The England youngster only recently signed from Everton, becoming the world’s second most expensive defender. John Stones has developed a reputation as being a passer who is not afraid to step out of the back and run with the ball. While goal scoring might not be one of his specialties, the 22-year-old is extremely confident when in possession and is an excellent reader of the game.
That being said, there is still a lot of room for him to improve and what better way to achieve that than to work under the most successful managers in the modern era. Guardiola has been credited to developing the likes of Gerrard Pique at Barcelona into one of the top centre-backs in the world and there is no reason why Stones cannot achieve the same.
A long, yet highly anticipated season for Man City awaits as they aim to bring the Premier League trophy back to the Etihad.
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