How Manchester City could line up if they sign Lionel Messi

Midfield

Defensive Midfield: Rodri

Rodri has enjoyed a superb debut campaign at the Etihad

Rodri is the pillar on which City's midfield is built, allowing the more creative players to express themselves freely higher up the pitch. The metronomic Spaniard is one of the most reliable defensive midfielders in the league and in Europe, calmly controlling proceedings in the middle while sniffing out opposition attacks and shutting them off.

After an impressive debut season, the signs are looking extremely promising for Rodri. He would hope to emulate fill in the shoes of his idol, the great Sergio Busquets, for Spain and his club.

Central Midfield: Kevin De Bruyne

De Bruyne is the best player in the Premier League

One of the first names on the team sheet, Kevin De Bruyne is undisputedly the best player in the Premier League. The majestic Belgian has been in a league of his own over the last few years and is fresh off a record-shattering season for City which saw him score 13 goals and set up 20 in the league.

De Bruyne is the architect of this free-scoring City side, and will be a colossal figure for them regardless of the circumstances as he has already shown.

Central midfield: Bernardo Silva/Phil Foden

Bernardo is the ideal replacement for David Silva in the XI

The berth that David Silva made his own under Guardiola will now be up for grabs, and City's host of midfield wizards are set to battle for it. Bernardo Silva is likeliest to replace his namesake in the XI as his playmaking ability, as well as a spotless worth ethic, could complement a free-roaming De Bruyne excellently.

Phil Foden, one of City's most impressive players since the resumption of football, is another superb option for Guardiola to consider in the middle. In the event that neither are available, the Cityzens will even have veteran midfielder Ilkay Gundogan to call upon — such is the depth of this star-studded squad.

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