Kevin De Bruyne demonstrated why he remains the main man at Manchester City.
With £51million new-boy Erling Haaland not even getting changed, the brilliant Belgian struck twice as the Premier League champions kicked off their pre-season by lifting the Copa de Lone Star.
De Bruyne twice put Pep Guardiola’s side ahead in the first half, fizzing home a brilliant strike on the half-hour after bursting through two challenges and then giving Ryad Mahrez’s perfect pass the finish it deserved after the Mexicans had drawn level through Henry Martin.
But the pulling power of Haaland was clear to see. The retractable roof threatened to be blown off the NRG Stadium by the noise every time images of the Norwegian sitting on the bench were flashed onto the big screen.
Here are five talking points
1 Kevin De Bruyne looks in a menacing mood
The Belgian was the best player in the Premier League last season - but was overlooked by both the FWA and PFA in their footballer of the year polls. Be Bruyne soothed any disappointment by picking up his fourth title medal, yet he’s clearly spent the summer keeping himself in shape rather than lying on a beach.
De Bruyne scored two quality goals. His passing possessed its usual crispness and accuracy. But he also looked two yards faster than anyone else on the pitch - and Club America are already three games into their Liga MX season. At the age of 31, this could be the season when he takes Europe and the world by storm.
2 Jack Grealish is not Mr Popular
The South Americans took an instant dislike to the £100million midfielder and kicked him from pillar to post. One particularly ugly challenge earned Emilio Lara a yellow card and Bruno Vaaldes should have been sent off when he recklessly smashed into Grealish’s calves.
MLS referee Armando Villareal also ignored two fouls on Grealish that should have brought penalties. Grealish became embroiled in a shoving match with Club America keeper Guillermo Ochoa after the first - and his every touch was jeered by Mexican fans.
3 Kalvin Phillips could become Pep Guardiola's Mr Versatile
City’s new £42million signing spoke before the game about his ability to play as holding midfielder or as a box-to-box playmaker. But when Nathan Ake had to be replaced at half-time, Phillips was ordered to make his debut as an emergency centre-back.
Guardiola loves players with the technique and temperament to play in a variety of positions - that’s why he was genuinely sad to see Oleks Zinchenko depart to Arsenal. Phillips played in the centre of defence for Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds - and you can be sure that Guardiola grilled his former mentor about all of the 25-year-old qualities before pushing the button on the deal.
Phillips was his usual assured self, despite playing alongside youngster Luke Mbete. He was then asked to move into his favourite midfield position for the final 15 minutes and looked just as accomplished.
4 City have got some promising youngsters pushing for places
It’s tough to break into a team that has quality in every position - and then some. But while Guardiola’s decision to sell Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and Oleks Zinchenko has been greeted with some surprise, the champions’ state-of-the-art academy is producing some stellar talent.
With Phil Foden, John Stones, Ilkay Gundogan left out of the touring squad, Ruben Dias suffering a bout of sickness and Erling Haaland doing nothing more stressful than raising the NRG Stadium roof every time he appeared on the big screen, it gave a chance for some of the kids to showcase their skills.
Luke Mbete, 18, was the pick of the bunch after starting at centre-back. But Josh Wilson-Ebrand, Cole Palmer, Rory Delap, James McAteer, Kayky and Rico Lewis also produced second-half cameos against seasoned South American opponents.
5 Look out for Julian Alvarez
Erling Haaland will carry the weight of expectation when it comes to scoring goals next season. But on this evidence, Argentine striker Alvarez will also play a part in keeping opposition defences occupied. City paid River Plate £14million for the 22-year-old in January but then allowed him to continue his football education in his homeland.
Alvarez is nicknamed ‘The Spider’ after his brother made the point that he works so hard he appears to have eight legs. A striker who presses from the front is something Guardiola treasures - and Alvarez kept the Mexicans on their toes with his willingness to close down and make runs in behind.
He is already an Argentine international with a Copa America winner’s medal, so he is no mug in front of goal. After virtually playing without a recognised striker for two years, the champions now have two of the highest quality.
