Dietmar Hamann has tipped Manchester City to vastly improve in Pep Guardiola's second campaign at the club and earn Premier League success.
The Citizens blew hot and cold last season, starting particularly well before drifting and eventually finishing 15 points adrift of champions Chelsea.
Former City midfielder Hamann expects Guardiola to work his magic at the Etihad Stadium in 2017-18, however, having already started to reshape his squad during the summer with the additions of Bernardo Silva and Ederson for a combined £77.5m.
"I'm not sure we will see a different Pep Guardiola next season – but I am certain we'll see a different Manchester City team this time," he told The Mirror. "I can't see beyond them for the title. Guardiola inherited an old, unbalanced squad with an ageing defence where all the full backs were the wrong side of 30. The squad was very poorly put together before Pep arrived, and given City's resources that was staggering really.
"I remember a game a couple of seasons ago they only had one outfield player under 30. And although they've tried to lower the age profile, signing Raheem Sterling, Kevin de Bruyne, John Stones and [Gabriel] Jesus, I wasn't surprised when they struggled to keep up with Chelsea last season. Stones is a capable defender but he simply didn't have enough support last season, and in the end it was problems in defence that cost City.
"Those problems were coming for a while and should have been addressed. In attack I still don't think there's anyone more potent than City – and I think Jesus will be the star turn next season. He's clearly a talented boy with the right mindset. I read an interview with him recently and he said he wasn't bothered about fame – he just goes out and does what he does best. I think he could be the game-changer. Sergio Aguero has carried City's forward line a long time now but there still seems to be a question mark over his future at the club.
"That's why having someone like Jesus, who is able to take some of the pressure off Aguero, will be vital for next season and moving forward. You need someone to get you 25 goals a season. Despite their firepower at times City have struggled to win games. It's the hardest job to score goals. But Jesus not only does that, he sets them up. He will be the key player to help City win the title. Despite an early injury he still looked special last season, the kind to make the difference on a regular basis. If he stays fit, City fans will have a lot of joy with him."
City begin their Premier League campaign with a trip to face Brighton & Hove Albion on August 12, while also taking on Everton and Bournemouth before the opening month is out.
