Kevin De Bruyne is the only member of Manchester City’s star-studded squad that will not be rotated by Pep Guardiola, says Joleon Lescott.
The reigning Premier League champions have spent big bolstering their ranks and bringing in quality cover across the field during the off-season.
Guardiola now has an abundance of riches at his disposal, with the Catalan able to shuffle his pack safe in the knowledge that he has international depth in every position.
He is expected to offer breaks and rest to senior figures again throughout the 2018-19 campaign, but the Belgian playmaker is considered to be the only untouchable that will always be selected.
Former City defender Lescott told Express Sport on the options Guardiola possesses, with Riyad Mahrez acquired this summer in a club-record £60 million (£78m) deal: “Everyone in City’s squad knows that there will be rotation.
“Probably apart from De Bruyne, every player will be expected to be involved in that rotation to get some rest.
“Mahrez is a top quality player, he’s recognised Premier League quality. Outside of City’s top players, he had the most assists in the Premier League.
“He’s coming in with title-winning experience, which a lot of the City players now have. It’ll be exciting for everyone to watch and see.
“In terms of him playing straight away, he may have to due to the lads being on international duty.
“Throughout the season, especially the forward players, will play a relevant number of games and have a great impact.”
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