Four ex Man City players that could have thrived under Pep Guardiola coaching

Manchester City have already signed Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez, but it doesn't look like their summer transfer business is over just yet.

The Blues look set to make one or two more signings before the start of the new season, with the likes of Brighton's Marc Cucurella and Leeds' Kalvin Phillips the two names most heavily linked with Pep Guardiola's side. Both would no doubt add quality and depth to City's squad — something that is easier said than done given how difficult it is to find elite-level players who suit Guardiola's style and methods.

City's scouting team will have been hard at work for months now, but it begs the question: which former City players would have done well in Guardiola's City side? MEN Sport run through a few here.

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Stephen Ireland

In many respects, Stephen Ireland was at City before his time. The Irish midfielder enjoyed two brilliant seasons for the Blues in 2007/08 and 2008/09, his technical ability and game intelligence a cut above his teammates in what was a pretty mediocre City side.

Ireland was primarily a creative midfielder but also a goal threat, the kind of attacker that would have thrived in Guardiola's positionally-fluid system. In 2008/09 he was named City's player of the season, and rewarded with a new five-year-contract.

Although Ireland's attitude was called into question by Roberto Mancini after the Italian's arrival in December 2009, you wouldn't bet against Guardiola elevating Ireland to the next level.

Carlos Tevez

Tevez played a crucial role in a crucial period of City's history, captaining the Blues to a first major trophy win in 35 years and helping them to