Pep Guardiola's new strongest starting XI after perfect Man City transfer window

Manchester City's summer can't be perfect but they can still make the best of it to come out the other side as strong as ever.

Pep Guardiola and everybody else at City were desperate to keep hold of star captain Ilkay Gundogan but an initial disagreement over the length of his new contract saw him opt for the cushy deal offered to him at Barcelona instead. The Blues have grown accustomed to waving goodbye to legends but unlike Vincent Kompany, Fernandinho or Sergio Aguero, Gundogan is still at the top of his game.

The German scored crucial goals in the Premier League title run in and a match-winning brace against Manchester United in the FA Cup final on the way to securing a historical treble. He was still one of Guardiola's most trusted players, so losing him could be a significant blow.

But his departure does open a spot in the middle of the park for someone to take. Mateo Kovacic is the obvious candidate after he was signed in the wake of Gundogan's exit, completing a £25million move from Chelsea. The classy Croatian is of a similar dynamic and combative mould to Gundogan so could slot in nicely.

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But, surely it's time for Phil Foden to finally take his rightful spot in midfield? Guardiola has been incredibly patient by continuing to play him on the flanks until he is absolutely ready to take up the central role but it's now a great opportunity to see if he sinks or swims. The manager trusted him enough to throw him in there when Kevin De Bruyne was forced off in the Champions League final and he was excellent, one of the few City players to not be overawed by the occasion.

Foden has shown his growth and development and especially as John