Since the 2008 Abu Dhabi takeover, Manchester City has established a modern dynasty. Breaking records, going from Sir Alex Ferguson's 'Noisy Neighbours' to one of the modern era's European superpowers in less than 20 years. The silverware speaks for itself but it's about the world class players which made these things possible.
In 2011, City won their first major trophy for 35 years winning the FA Cup and a year later lifted the league title for the first time in 44 years after under Roberto Mancini. But it wasn't until Pep Guardiola came in 2016 that domestic and European dominance started to become the norm.
There have been 26 honours won since the change of ownership but which players have been the best to put on the sky blue colours during that period? Well, coming from a lifelong City fan, it's only right to decide which stars make this best XI during and after the 2008 takeover.
GK: Ederson
Joe Hart with his four Golden Gloves might feel hard done by being overlooked but the sheer amount of instant impact and silverware gives Ederson the nod.
The Brazilian redefined the goalkeeping position in the Premier League, operating effectively as an outfield player to dictate Pep Guardiola's build-up play and ping passes across the pitch.
CB: Vincent Kompany (captain)
There is no man who bleeds bluer than the skipper for this team Vincent Kompany. Scoring goals in 2012, 2014 and 2018 to win City the league titles to go along with defensive excellence.
Whenever he was injured, the side felt his absence and he was the heartbeat of the first 10 years of success they had. A legend forever with his statue outside the Etihad.
CB: Ruben Dias
Not been blessed with as much consistent central defence talent but current City captain Ruben Dias has done enough at an elite level to partner Kompany at the back.
Leading the first team in Premier League history to winning 4 titles in a row, Dias arrived and immediately transformed City's backline with his commanding physical presence, vocal leadership, and elite reading of the game.
LB: Aleksandar Kolarov
Known for his lethal left foot and intimidating physicality, Aleksandar Kolarov provided immense overlapping width and a terrifying threat from set-pieces.
The Serbian edged out the others for his longevity and also his attacking threat with his shot power and strong running.
RB: Kyle Walker
The right side of the defence had a lot more competition in comparison with Pablo Zabaleta having a s strong case to take the spot.
However Kyle Walker at his peak was in the conversation for best right back in the world and did it in Europe too. Walker's blistering recovery pace and defensive solidity have secured the right flank for years, making him an indispensable piece of City's transition defense against the world's best wingers.
CDM: Fernandinho
It was a tough choice deciding what formation to fit the best 11 in, but a 4-3-3 system with a holding midfielder is the best to show balance of the team.
Fernandinho was the lynchpin of the Guardiola's new look City side which went on to break points and goal scoring records. Being a consistent performer since 2014, the Brazilian found his true position shielding the defence as a 6 with tough tackling and pin point passing.
CM: Yaya Toure
Maybe the most dominant box to box force the Premier League has ever seen, Yaya Toure was that missing piece to get City over the line.
The Ivorian operated as the ultimate powerhouse, capable of destroying defensive blocks with his surging runs. He scored 20 league goals from midfield during the 2013-14 season to win the title and also the winner in the league cup final.
CM: Kevin De Bruyne
Possibly the most unstoppable creative force in Premier League history, Kevin De Bruyne combined elite vision with unstoppable running.
With over 100 league assists to go along with two PFA Players' Player of the Year, De Bruyne was a shoe in for this team. He also has an eye for goal either from range or late runs in the box.
LM: David Silva
While this isn't the ideal position for the Spanish magician nicknamed "Merlin" for the sake of balance while also including all time greats he makes it on the left. Even in wide positions David Silva's genius link up play and ability to cut inside even without a massive amount of pace were remarkable.
Silva dictated the tempo with unmatched grace, elite spatial awareness, and a telepathic understanding of Guardiola's positional play during a magical decade-long stay.
RM: Raheem Sterling
One of the most underrated wingers in the modern Premier League era, Raheem Sterling was the man creating moments and scoring the goals to edge City past his former club Liverpool in their rivalry.
Sterling developed into a lethal, world-class penalty-box finisher under Guardiola, scoring 91 Premier League goals for the club with relentless off-the-ball movement and elite attacking positioning.
ST: Sergio Aguero
Erling Haaland is hot on his tail but Sergio Aguero for his records and moments alone he has to be in this team. Scoring the goal which probably cemented the Citizens as a Premier League giant in 2012, the Argentine became the club's record goal scorer over the next 10 years.
Aguero has the best minutes to goal ratio in league history while also being a technically gifted, clinical striker that could make most teams in his prime.
