No Surprise: Manchester City Can Make History This Season

This summer, our attention has been focused on clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United. Both clubs are in dire need of massive rebuilds in order to get back on track. As United and Arsenal dive deeper and deeper into a crucial transfer window, Manchester City is right where they need to be which is a scary thought.

For starters, Kevin De Bruyne will be healthy. It's crazy to think that City staged such a successful season last year when De Bruyne was off and on with injuries. City has enough world-class players to overcome his absence but their midfield is practically untouchable with him in it. For me, De Bruyne is the best midfielder in the Premier League and although City has enough talent to win the Premier League without him, they will need him at 100% if they want to hoist the Champions League trophy.

So what's one position City needed to reinforce this offseason? Defensive midfield. With Fernandinho being 34-years-old it was time for City to find his replacement. Don't get me wrong, I think Fernandinho can still give City some solid minutes but if you can go out and sign a player like Rodri... well why the hell not?

Rodri is exactly what City need. A player that can thrive in a possession-based system while high pressing at the same time. The 23-year-old Spaniard is the next big thing for Spanish football and he's drawn comparisons to Sergio Busquets of Barcelona.

So what does Rodri mean for City? Everything. Now, they no longer have to worry about replacing an aging Fernandinho who has given his heart and soul to the club. Rodri seems to be that missing piece. Despite being in a great spot last year, City is in an even better spot to win the Champions League this year.

Here's a tough question for ya. What would you rather win at City? A third straight premier league title? Or the franchises first ever Champions League trophy? Surely one is achievable and winning both would be truly remarkable. City has an abundance of talent at every position. And they can experiment with numerous line-ups.

So let's assume De Bruyne is at 100% and that Rodri is everything City expect him to be. What else does a trophy filled season hinge on for them?

I have a hot take. Bernardo Silva should start over David Silva in the #10 role. That is only IF Leroy Sane doesn't leave the club. If Sane stays I think he should play on the right-side as a right forward. So City would play with the front-three of Sterling, Aguero, and Sane (from left to right) while still boasting depth with the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Riyad Mahrez on the bench.

So why do I think David Silva should be benched? I don't think he's bad or washed I just think that Bernardo has been sensational and he needs to be put in the best position to thrive considering he's essential to the future of the club. The 24-year-old Portuguese midfielder is best utilized as a #10 in my opinion. Also, if City wants to keep Sane at the club, he's going to have to see more minutes meaning starting him might be a must.

Even so, City can still mount a sensational season while not implementing my hot-take but if they do, I wouldn't be surprised if they truly become untouchable. And one should know that me thinking that benching David Silva is a good idea doesn't mean that I think he shouldn't play. He would be the first player off the bench and his services would not go unused. David Silva is still a great player, it's just that City needs to do what's best for them. And who knows, perhaps what's best for them is a system in which David Silva is an essential piece.

So while we all gear up to see if United and Arsenal are sound enough to truly compete once again, City will be chasing utter dominance with a team that is honestly untouchable. City needs a Champions League title soon and this year is there best chance to do it. With such a sound team and brilliant manager, they just need to lock-in. City is the team to beat this year. The question is...who can?