This is Manchester City’s dream January midfield including this key target

CM – Ilkay Gundogan

Guardiola has used a variety of formations so far this season, but City look a much better side, in whatever system, when Ilkay Gundogan is on the pitch.

The German international was Guardiola’s first signing at the Etihad, such was the high esteem the former Bayern Munich and Barcelona boss held him in, but didn’t make his debut for the club until the middle of September because of injury.

Nonetheless, the 26-year-old has since made 12 appearances for City and scored five goals, including two in a man-of-the-match display against Barcelona at the start of November.

Playing Gundogan gives Guardiola more options given his ability to play anywhere across the middle, as well as deeper alongside Fernandinho, or further up alongside the likes of David Silva and co.

He’s a crucial part of this City team, and expect him to feature regularly for the side this season.