Gareth Barry and Joleon Lescott have heaped praise on the current group of Manchester City players ahead of the new Premier League season.

The duo, team-mates at the Etihad Stadium between 2009-13, have spoken in the media about the squad’s collective talent, as well as the impact of individuals.

Also making headlines this Wednesday morning are claims that City are monitoring a Norwegian ‘wonderkid’.

Opinion

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Joleon Lescott: “There’s players that obviously have performed at a very consistently high level so they should be recognised but there’s no individual that they rely on or miss.

“You see them doing so well last season with Kevin De Bruyne being out for the majority of the year after his previous year – it proves that Pep’s way and the structure is key to Manchester City.

“All the individuals are equally as important as everyone else.

“He’s right in what he’s saying because they are doing things that are unseen and unheard of before but I’m sure they’re happy that they’re winning titles.”

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Gareth Barry: “I like what I’ve seen. He [Rodri] seems to be one of those players that the lads around him are going to enjoy playing with.

“He has that style that’s probably underrated but out there on the pitch he’s going to be a good addition to the squad.

“The players that are going to get further forward and even those behind him are going to appreciate his style.

“He looks like he breaks up the game well, he’s very calm when he’s on the ball. I like his style.”

“The youngster has scored six goals and registered three assists this season and was in fine form with the Manchester representatives watching on, netting twice to help his side to a 3-1 victory.”