Even at £81.5m, losing a World Cup, Copa América, Premier League, and Champions League winner would be devastating. At Wembley, Manchester City demonstrated their ability to replace Atlético Madrid-bound Julián Álvarez from within.
Phil Foden and Jack Grealish missed the Community Shield, which City won 7-6 on penalties after a 1-1 draw with Manchester United.
Oscar Bobb, James McAtee, and Jérémy Doku supported Erling Haaland, with Savinho on the bench as the sole summer addition.
Belgium’s Doku, who turned 22 in May, is the elder statesman of the attacking midfielders, but they’ve played well for the league champions.
Pep Guardiola trusted Bobb enough to let Cole Palmer go for Chelsea a year ago.
The technical magician from Norway started on the right against United but can play anywhere up front. Bobb brought energy to a slow-paced friendly.
He can beat a defender on either side and usually cuts in quickly to find open spaces to create harm.
Quick feet and thought make the 21-year-old dangerous, but he’s still learning.
Last season, Guardiola gave Bobb 14 Premier League matches, but his promise was realized when he scored a late winner at Newcastle, retaining his calm to finish after precise footwork to show what he can add to City.
This season is crucial for Bobb, McAtee, and Doku. Salford native McAtee joined City’s under-11s a decade ago and has worked to become a first-team player.
He learned the joys of being promoted from the Championship and the downsides of playing for the Premier League’s poorest team in two seasons at Sheffield United. McAtee got his City debut on the US tour due to a shortage of senior players.
Guardiola criticized his early performances and demanded better.
McAtee earned his Wembley spot. The 21-year-old has been exposed to Guardiola’s techniques throughout the club and has worked hard to meet his manager’s demands.
The three linked up well against United, understanding each other’s moves and where they wanted the ball.
Bobb and Savinho sent the Norwegian to cross for Bernardo Silva to score City’s late equalizer. Bobb is remarkable because he never panics, but Guardiola wants greater consistency from him, which will come with more playing time.
Doku, a direct and speedy winger, wants to show off his skills and flips at any opportunity.
In his first season at City, he made amazing plays, but he could annoy spectators and teammates in the final third by hesitating the pass or picking the wrong choice.
His eight Premier League goals in 29 appearances are outstanding, but four came in one thrilling game against Bournemouth.
Since coming off the bench for his first experience of English football, Savinho has hugged the touchline, like Doku, and wants to paint his boots white.
The 20-year-old appeared bright and combative, causing problems with his placement and direct play despite his speed-dating relationship with his new colleagues after few training sessions.
Foden and Grealish will return for Sunday’s Premier League start against Chelsea, while Silva and De Bruyne might be used in the front four to add competition.
Guardiola values versatility in his players, including Álvarez, who can play multiple roles. The Argentinian preferred to play as a No. 9 when Haaland was out, so Guardiola will need a backup plan.
The manager enjoys deploying Bobb or Foden as a false 9 or Doku to run in behind, changing City’s dynamic.
City worry there is no value for money in adding players who could help the club once the season starts. Guardiola, like City’s accountant, likes his lot.
