Man City legend claims Pep Guardiola’s hopes of silverware hinge on TWO key players this season

Man City legend Richard Dunne believes that their fortunes rely on the performances of two superstars.

Once the all-conquering behemoth of English football, Pep Guardiola‘s side have only one win in their last 10 outings – off the back of winning their fourth straight Premier League title last season.

Their title hopes have thinned this season, as they lie fifth, trailing league-leaders Liverpool by nine points.

Meanwhile, there is every chance that they struggle to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages, languishing in 22nd-place, just a point safe from missing out on the round of 16 play-offs.

Dunne argued that City’s hopes to win silverware for the eighth consecutive season rest on the form and fitness of Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish.

‘Kevin De Bruyne is hugely important. He’s been the Premier League’s best player for the last 10 years or so,’ he told BestBettingSites.

Pep Guardiola has won one of his last 10 games in all competitions with City – a historic slump

His side won their record-breaking fourth consecutive Premier League title just last season

‘The team hasn’t played as well, they’re not as creative without him. I’m sure the reason for Kevin not starting that many games recently is because the manager doesn’t want to lose him long term again.

‘We all know what difference a fit and firing Kevin De Bruyne can make, so it’s important for City that they keep him fit for the remainder of the season.’

De Bruyne has struggled with recurring injury issues since the start of the 2023-24 campaign; since August 2023, the Belgian has missed 190 days of action through injuries.

Meanwhile, £100million signing Jack Grealish has not scored for City since December 16 2023 against Crystal Palace – almost exactly one year ago. 

Nevertheless, Dunne believes that the Englishman can rediscover his form if his confidence is restored by Guardiola. 

‘Yeah, it’s almost like you would like to see more of the old Jack Grealish at times. There’s no doubt that he’s improved as a player since he’s gone to Man City,’ Dunne added.

‘When he’s on form and when he’s confident, he’s so difficult to stop. He just needs to try and regain that somehow and, obviously, working hard and getting a little bit of love from his manager is going to be a huge part of helping him get back to that level.’