Pep Guardiola issued a familiar rallying call after Manchester City's win over Newcastle. "We will need everyone for this schedule and calendar," the manager said on Saturday night. "There were a lot of young players on the bench against Newcastle.
The difference is that we are few people but the guys who want to be here try to do it." One of the problems that Guardiola and City face is that obviously some players will be needed more than most, and those that aren't used as much will have to work out if it is better for them to go somewhere they can play more often.
Cole Palmer indicated last week that more signings in this window could determine whether he stays or not, while James McAtee faces a similar dilemma after thriving last season with regular football.
While careers such as that are up and coming though, Kalvin Phillips is in a different bracket. The 27-year-old should be in his prime years, having already been named the best player in the England team when he arrived at the Etihad from Elland Road last season in a move that should have elevated him further. ALSO READ: Laporte sacrifice stands out in a terrific City career Instead, a startling debut season with City left his future at the club in doubt as the Treble winners broke up for a brief summer break.