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His performance on Sunday at the Etihad not only underlined his importance to Manchester City but also showed the maturity that has come with more match time this season. After being used sparingly in his first season at Manchester City, Leroy Sane has, this season, grown into a player that can walk into most of the best sides in Europe.
Even with him adjusting to the physical demands of the Premier League, Sane managed to score 11 goals and assist three in his first season in England.
He has carried that form into the new season and seems to be enjoying the new partnership with Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero in recent games.
In yet another match, in front of their fans, the young German was at his best as he continues to slowly repay the trust Pep Guardiola has pinned on him.
His skills and blistering pace were once again on show in their match against Crystal Palace, breaking down the visitor’s stubborn defence in the dying minutes of the first half. His goal against Palace was his third in a space of five days, which came after hitting a classy double against West Brom in the Carabao Cup.
He showed off his brilliant first touch and impeccable finishing, lifting the ball over his marker before nutmegging the keeper to give his side the lead. The 21-year-old’s is always a danger with his runs, and with a wicked left foot that can be compared to some footballing greats in the modern era. The kid has the potential to hit high levels.
The former Schalke winger has has now scored five goals from just six shots on target in all competitions for Man City this season, a clear indication of how lethal he can be in front of goal.
In him, City have a player capable of deciding matches. Guardiola once called him, together with Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus, ‘the future of Manchester’, and it is easy to see why he said that.
If the Citizens are to go all the way and lift the Premier League title this season and challenge for more honours, no doubt Sane will be up there among City's top players.
And with his current game, depending on how City will perform in the Champions League, he will be among top 10 players in Europe this season.
