It’s not often Manchester City’s midfield looks so unsettled but Pep Guardiola goes into the new season with two openings in the middle. But with openings comes opportunities, all that’s needed is for someone to grasp them.

One of the slots is only on a temporary basis. Kevin De Bruyne valiantly fought on through a hamstring injury during the crucial end-of-season run-in as City closed in on the treble but the wear and tear finally caught up with him at the worst possible time, half an hour into the Champions League final.

The hamstring tear is expected to see De Bruyne miss the start of the new campaign. The time frame for his recovery has not been officially confirmed but has been predicted given the severity of the injury. Should the 32-year-old miss out on the opening games, it will mean both attacking midfield positions will need to be filled.

Ilkay Gundogan, who frequently played beside him, departed the team to join Barcelona, which explains why. The loss of the captain, who was so essential to the triple victory, is a significant blow, and it will be intriguing to watch how Guardiola sets up his midfield without one of his most crucial players.

Fortunately for City, they still have a lot of candidates, and if De Bruyne is away for some time, that will offer them more chances to establish themselves in the team and stake their claim. When De Bruyne is fully fit, he will take back his position, but the Gundogan-shaped hole in the centre is open and ready for the greatest player to fill it.

The most obvious candidate is Mateo Kovacic. The classy Croatia international may not be seen as a direct replacement for Gundogan but he has taken his No.8 shirt and is cut from the same cloth.

The former Chelsea man might not be as much of a goal threat and is obviously not as engrained in the system just yet, but he is similarly dynamic, elegant in possession, combative and tactically intelligent. Kovacic appears to be the man most suited to replicating Gundogan’s role.

But perhaps it’s time for Phil Foden to finally take his place in midfield. The local hero was billed as the heir to David Silva’s crown but has been farmed out wide by Guardiola, who hasn’t believed he’s quite ready for the nature of a central role.

That was until the last few weeks of the season in which he was gradually given more minutes in the middle which culminated in Foden replacing De Bruyne in Istanbul. He excelled and helped bring City to life after a nervy start as he was one of the few players not to be overawed by the occasion. Perhaps he is now ready to take up the mantle on a permanent basis.

Julian Alvarez has had to adapt his game since moving to City as there is no way he is leading the line when Erling Haaland is fit and the Argentine has done so excellently. Alvarez has often come in when De Bruyne has been rested and has looked really good when given chances in the attacking-midfield position. His versatility will make him so useful to Guardiola and if he’s given a chance he may impress enough to take the role more regularly.

In contrast, Kalvin Phillips had a disɑstrous first season at the Etihad and made a tiny, if any, impact on a successful campaign. He is taking a strong stance of staying put and fιghting for his place but huge improvements will be needed if he’s to increase his meagre minutes.

Gundogan’s departure might mean he’s now first in reserve to Rodri – though Kovacic can also play a holding role – but Phillips has shown in the past he has the skills required to play further forward. It still feels unlikely he will get a chance but if one comes his way he has to take it as there won’t be many others.

Finally, City has many great young players who should strive to take advantage of the opportunity and ɑrgue for more action. Cole Palmer didn’t develop as much as anticipated last season, but he still possesses a ton of talent, which he demonstrated during England Under-21s’ victory at the European Championship.

A fantastic opportunity has also come to James McAtee. The playmaker’s achievements at Sheffield United last season helped the Blades earn promotion, and Guardiola was impressed with the 20-year-old’s fortitude after he overcame a rough start to shine there. In order to see if he can force his way into the team, City has turned down considerable transfer interest in him this summer.