Sergio Aguero

Biggest strengths Aguero has been so hard to play against, and so devastatingly consistent, because his skill-set is so multifaceted. He is impossible to pigeonhole as a centre-forward.

He has the awareness of a playmaker, the speed and dribbling ability of a winger while his movement, running power, low centre of gravity, incredible strength and iron will make for a relentless competitor. He has a poacher’s instincts and unerring knack of getting tremendous power on his shots with minimal backlift.

Who does he rely upon most? Aguero is not a striker who is entirely dependent on the service of those around him. He carves goals for himself from the smallest openings and, equally, he scores a wide variety of goals. Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne are becoming increasingly adept at reading each other’s movements and the Belgian’s pin-point passing and the Argentinian’s finishing are an irresistible combination.

Where has he most improved?

His all-round game. He links the play better, times and controls his sprints more effectively and his movement in the penalty area is sharper. Aguero’s relationship with Pep Guardiola has not always been the easiest but he reacted to the arrival of Gabriel Jesus in January last year by raising his game and compartmentalising any frustrations.

How can he be stopped?

Opponents have to get tight in their final third. Standing off Aguero and allowing him to turn, run or bring in other players invariably creates problems. He can get frustrated if he is closely shadowed and pushed wide.