Eleven players who defined Guardiola's Man City era

Key developments are coming in from the field. Eleven players who defined Guardiola's Man City era Figure caption, The games which defined Guardiola's six league titlesByCiara FlemingBBC Sport journalistPublished32 minutes agoAfter a decade of unprecedented success, Pep Guardiola is about to bid farewell to Manchester City. Since arriving in 2016, the Catalan has turned the club into a footballing superpower, winning 19 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League. While records have continuously tumbled in the face of his ruthless, possession-based style, it is his shaping of some of the best footballers in the world that leaves an indelible mark.

From reinventing positions and formations, spotting potential in the academy, to cultivating a Ballon d'Or winner, Guardiola has made careers. Many who starred during his tenure have departed not only as club legends but global stars. Here, Sport compiles a list of 11 players who defined Guardiola's decade in charge.

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Raheem SterlingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Raheem Sterling scored 10 or more Premier League goals in five consecutive seasons for Manchester CityAppearances under Guardiola: 292Goals: 120Assists: 77Trophies under Guardiola: Premier League (4), FA Cup (1), EFL Cup (5)Individual honours: PFA Young Player of the Year (2018-19), FWA Footballer of the Year (2018-19), MBE 2021Raheem Sterling joined Manchester City from Liverpool in the summer of 2015 in a £49m deal - a record fee for an English player at the time. He arrived as a gifted winger but questions remained over his end product and goalscoring ability. Under Guardiola he matured, repaying his manager's faith with 131 goals during his seven-year stint at the Etihad, scoring 20-plus goals in three consecutive campaigns.

Ilkay Gundogan Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ilkay Gundogan scored the fastest FA Cup final goal in history, clocked at 12 seconds, in 2023Appearances: 358Goals: 65Assists: 48Trophies under Guardiola: Premier League (5), Champions League (1), FA Cup (2), EFL Cup (4), Uefa Super Cup (1), Club World Cup (1)Individual honours: PFA Team of the Year x1Ilkay Gundogan was Pep Guardiola's first signing as Manchester City manager, joining from German club Borussia Dortmund in 2016. The midfielder quickly became a pivotal player during his seven seasons in Manchester, bringing composure, balance and precision to the heart of midfield. The ultimate unsung hero.

The German led from the front as captain in 2023 as Guardiola's side won the Treble, signing off with a stunning volley against rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final before lifting the Champions League trophy.

Clubs and federations are monitoring the development, which could have lasting consequences.