Guardiola excited by City midfield

MANCHESTER City boss Pep Guardiola is purring over the midfield talent at his disposal.

And the City boss has assured his list of players which will be the envy of many managers and clubs that they will get their opportunity this season.

David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Fernandinho started in the 2-0 win at Brighton.

Leroy Sane, Bernardo Silva and Raheem Sterling came off the substitutes' bench, where Yaya Toure was left unused alongside 17-year-old academy prospect Phil Foden. Ilkay Gundogan, meanwhile, is to return imminently following a long-term knee injury.

"Our midfield positions are really good," Guardiola said. "But if you want to play in a certain way, the way I like, with players on the ball, then you need talent.

"They all have such a lot of quality. I like players when they have the ball, they don't lose the ball. I love that. And they keep it, they keep it well.

"The idea is to convince them that is the best way to play and to win games.

"All of them are going to play. Last season I rotated the team a lot and I will do that again. They will all be involved.

"After that it depends on them - if they accept my decision or not. If they don't accept it, it will be their problem not mine."

Brighton withstood City's advances until the 70th minute when De Bruyne tackled Dale Stephens and found David Silva, who in turn found Sergio Aguero. The Argentina striker finished in trademark fashion.

Lewis Dunk then scored an own-goal.

City travel to Girona for a friendly tomorrow night, before playing Everton on August 21.