Pep Guardiola is undoubtedly one of the most successful managers of this generation.
The 51-year-old has picked up no less than 10 top-flight league titles in Spain, Germany and England, while also guiding Barcelona to two Champions League crowns. Most recently, Guardiola won the Premier League with Manchester City last season, pipping Liverpool on the final day.
He has had the privilege of managing some of the best players in the world during his decorated career and has built some of the greatest sides ever, playing a brand of a football that is hard to replicate. Jack Grealish claimed the main reason behind his £100million switch from Aston Villa to City was the prospect of working with Guardiola, while Kalvin Phillips also mentioned the influence of the Spanish coach as he moved to the Etihad Stadium.
So, with that in mind, here is look at Guardiola's most-used players during his time in management, where it is clear that consistency of selection has been one of the key elements of his success. Here is the team.
Ederson
Appearances under Guardiola: 241
In what will be a recurring theme in this side, Ederson was a key part of the City team that won four Premier League titles in five seasons, with the Brazilian impressing following his move from Benfica in 2017. He quickly became a fan favourite for his confidence and ability on the ball, and for being a much better option than Claudio Bravo, who failed in his attempts to shine at the club.
Kyle Walker
Appearances under Guardiola: 215
Having arrived in the same transfer window as Ederson, Walker would go on to help revolutionise the City back four with his technical ability and athleticism on the right side. Guardiola had been trying to play an ageing Bacary Sagna in that position, and it just did not work, meaning Guardiola decided to bring in Walker from Tottenham.
John Stones
Appearances under Guardiola: 195
Stones has been an integral part of the side over the past six years and is the only centre-back from Guardiola's first summer to remain at the club. He has partnered the likes of Nicolas Otamendi, Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte during his time at City.
Gerard Pique
Appearances under Guardiola: 183
Having returned to Barcelona from Manchester United in the same summer Guardiola was installed as boss (2008), Pique has become part of the furniture at the Nou Camp and is still there today. The defender is regarded as one of the best centre-backs in Barca's history alongside Carlos Puyol.
Eric Abidal
Appearances under Guardiola: 142
The Frenchman's six years at Barcelona included Guardiola's four and he was a regular for his manager as the team became one of the very best to play the game. Abidal has since retired from professional football.
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Ilkay Gundogan
Appearances under Guardiola: 253
A versatile midfielder, Gundogan has operated in many roles during his time at City, scoring some vital goals in the process. He totalled up a career best 17 in 2020/21 as City lifted the top-flight title, with Gundogan following that up with a brace on the final day of the most-recent campaign against Aston Villa.
Kevin De Bruyne
Appearances under Guardiola: 266
The Belgium international has proved all of his doubters wrong since he was brought back to the Premier League seven years ago after a dismal spell at Chelsea. He has notched 86 goals in a City shirt and will go down as one of their best-ever players alongside David Silva and Sergio Aguero.
Bernardo Silva
Appearances under Guardiola: 251
Another addition from the 2017 transfer window, Silva has the second-highest average number of appearances per season under Guardiola out of all outfielders in this team, having averaged more than 50 games. He was integral to their success last term, chipping in with 13 goals in all competitions.
Raheem Sterling
Appearances under Guardiola: 291
After being key to Guardiola over the past six years, Sterling is expected to leave City this summer as he gets set for a big-money move to Chelsea. He has scored 131 goals for the Citizens in total.
Gabriel Jesus
Appearances under Guardiola: 236
The Brazilian has already departed City to join Arsenal, with Jesus the most-capped central striker under Guardiola over the course of his managerial career. Jesus scored some vital goals and memorably netted four against Watford back in April.
Lionel Messi
Appearances under Guardiola: 219
A key part of Messi's development, Guardiola had a massive impact on the Argentine as he began to dominate European football with a vast number of goals and assists. He spent four years under Guardiola and ended up winning two Champions League and two La Liga titles.
