Manchester City are currently the best team in the world and have compensated for the loss of Ilkay Gundogan with their summer transfer signings.
That’s according to Germany legend Lothar Matthäus, who believes a team of individuals have developed into the best team in football under the guidance of Pep Guardiola.
Manchester City are looking in imperious form once again following their treble success last season, which saw them win the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
They’re the only Premier League team to win all five games so far, putting them at the top of the table, and they started their Champions League defence with a 3-1 win over Red Star last night.
This has all been done despite a summer of major change in their squad, with the likes of Riyad Mahrez, Aymeric Laporte and Ilkay Gundogan all departing.
Losing him on a free transfer was a blow but Matthäus believes they’ve dealt with the problem well and are now even better than before.
“Treble defender Manchester City is the clear number one for me in the new season too,” he said in comments relayed by BILD.
“City has the best coach in Pep Guardiola and the best striker in the world in Haaland.
“Add to that Rodri, who is absolutely world-class in his position in defensive midfield, and Walker, this incredibly fast right-back who FC Bayern would have loved to have.
“Even at the age of 32, De Bruyne is still playing outstandingly on the offensive and will be an important factor again after his injury.
“Of course, Guardiola cannot replace Gundogan one-on-one, as outstandingly as he played last season. Of course, he is a loss. But: This team of outstanding individualists has grown into a very stable unit in recent years that will compensate for this.
“In addition, they were meaningfully strengthened in midfield with Kovacic and Nunes, in defense with Gvardiol and in attack with Doku for around €250m.
“For me, Manchester City is currently the best team in the world and is once again the top favorite to win the Champions League.”
