Pep has made it known that he will not be provided with too many opportunities to deliver success at the Etihad. The manager insisted that England is a difficult place to manage in and conceded that he might be sacked if he does not win the trophies that the club aspires to win.
In order to achieve so, the Spaniard dug deep in the market and signed players for key positions. Man City seem to have a complete squad with ample backup for each position. Pundits are already calling them title favourites but they did that last year too didn’t they?
If they are to avoid last season’s debacle, certain players will have to stand up and take responsibility. Here are a few players whose performances could make or break Pep’s City career this season.
Kevin De Bruyne
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The Belgian midfielder has become the most important player at Man City and is ready to lead the side to glory. Since joining the club, De Bruyne has become the creator in chief for The Citizens. He recorded a staggering 18 assists along with 6 goals in the league last year, improving on his 7 goals and 9 assists return from the previous term. If Man City are to achieve success this season it might very well come down to this man’s performances.
Gabriel Jesus
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To almost take away the title of the teams first choice striker from City’s legendary Sergio Aguero while being in his first full season, well not even full considering he joined the squad in January is in itself an achievement for the young Brazilian. The youngster had a delightful start to life in England proving to have the Midas touch, scoring with almost every shot on goal and providing the odd assist as well. This of course before injury stopped him in his tracks. He did make a late return and continued from where he left behind. He will hope to take the lead of the attack this season and guide City to glory.
Kyle Walker
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Despite what some bitter Spurs fans have got to say the truth is they are gonna dearly miss the services of this man. The marauding right-back was one of their most important players and arguably the best right-back in the Premier League for the past few seasons. His fizzing low crosses will surely help Aguero and Jesus to add to their goal tally and he will fit right into Pep’s preferred 3-5-2 setup.
Read: Can Man City Arsenal’s offer to Alexis Sanchez?
John Stones
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The English international did not have the best first season at the club. He is but in all essence the exact type of centre-back Guardiola likes. Comfortable on the ball, starting moves from the back while being a decent tackler and possessing decent aerial prowess. Stones will be looking to establish himself at the centre of Man City’s back 3 and avoid conceding as many goals as they did last year. He also scored twice in pre-season as he looks to provide a threat at the opposite end as well this season.
Ederson Moraes
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The Brazilian custodian joined Man City as the world’s most expensive keeper and he will hope to live up to that tag. City had their fair share of problems with this position last year. First with the ousting of fan favorite Joe Hart and then signing Chilean Claudio Bravo from Barcelona who was dismal, to say the least. Guardiola likes to have his keeper involved in the build up to moves and Ederson has been drafted in just cause he can do that. His distribution of the ball is top notch.The former Benfica starlet is a good shot stopper as well and is typically great in 1-on-1 situations. City’s defense was leaky last year but quite often it was their goalkeeper to blame. The 24-year-old will be out to stop that from happening and protect the rearguard while their vast array of attacking players continues to wreak havoc.
