Here is the one problem that even Pep Guardiola's best-laid plans and grandest ambitions may not be able to overcome. Suppose there simply aren't enough great players to go around.
Very good players, sure. Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Raheem Sterling, Sergio Aguero. Manchester City have plenty of very, very good players.
But to recreate what Guardiola achieved at Barcelona needs more than just good. It needs the best, the most imaginative, the most astute and hard-working; the players who are at the pinnacle of the game.
Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Javier Mascherano, Sergio Busquets.