On Thursday morning, Manchester City started their 2022-23 campaign with a victory over Liga MX side, Club América in Texas, lifting the Copa de Lone Star trophy.
The Sky Blues victory came as a result of Kevin De Bruyne’s brace, with his strikes coming in the 30th and 46th minute.
City manager, Pep Guardiola praised the Belgian after his impressive performance, which came after a month-long break from his most recent appearance representing his home country in the UEFA Nations League.
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Guardiola explained that in recent training sessions, De Bruyne’s levels of intensity have not dropped a bit from where he was during last season.
"We saw in sessions he’s sharp and strong and he continued with the same level as last season, it was his best season in terms of scoring goals and he’s started really well," said the Catalan.
Although Erling Haaland didn’t take to the pitch against Club América, City fans got their first look at Julian Alvarez.
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In his debut, Alvarez came up short in front of goal, but helped create two opportunities for his teammates.
Guardiola likened the young Argentine to former City striker Gabriel Jesus in regards to his defence and his on-field strategy.
"Julian (Alvarez) was incredible, defensively he is quite similar like Gabriel (Jesus),” Guardiola continued.
“Gabriel is probably the best, but he is close to him in aggression and how intuitive he is, he makes the runs and with the ball he’s absolutely brilliant.”
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The second big debutant for City was Kalvin Phillips, who moved to the Etihad Stadium after his £42 million move from Leeds United.
“He [Phillips] needs time to understand what we want him to do and help him with his movements and shapes.” explained Guardiola, when asked about the midfielder's performance.
The last new signing to make his debut for the Sky Blues was Stefan Ortega, who will be the new back up to Ederson, after Zack Steffen was loaned to Championship-side Middlesbrough.
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Ortega made two crucial saves, while only allowing one goal out of Club América’s three shots on goal throughout the game. Despite allowing a goal deflect into the goal in the 43rd minute, Ortega’s calm demeanour after his mishap caught the eye of Guardiola.
"We are impressed with how good a keeper we have now – his composure, we are impressed,” said Guardiola.
Erling Haaland has also teased his debut will come in Manchester City’s next match against the reigning Bundesliga champions, Bayern Munich.
After his £51 million move, supporters are desperate to see the Norway international in action.
Topics: Manchester City, Julian Alvarez, Pep Guardiola, Kalvin Phillips
Declan Harris