Pep Guardiola's greatest U23 XI

Centre-Forwards

Left Centre-Forward

Gabriel Jesus

Gabriel Jesus was a sensation at Palmeiras. After running riots with their junior team, the teenager guided the Brazilian side to their first national league title in 22 years. Jesus, still 19 years old then, was named the league's 'Player of the Season' in 2016.

Dubbed as the new Ronaldo Nazario, the list of clubs interested in signing Jesus included the who's who of European football. It was Manchester City, however, who brought the youngster to Europe in January 2017. The Rio Olympics gold medalist ended his debut season at City racking up seven goals in just ten league appearances.

This season, Jesus has formed a lethal strike partnership with fellow South American Sergio Aguero. With ten goals and four assists already, Jesus is well on the path of becoming the next footballing icon from Brazil.

Right Centre-Forward

Lionel Messi

Is there anything about Lionel Messi that hasn't been said before? The seeds of his greatness were sown years ago, but their actual germination started under the watchful eyes of Pep Guardiola.

Let's just look at Messi's achievements during the four seasons he played under Guardiola. Three La Liga titles, two UEFA Champions League wins, two Club World Cups, two European Golden Shoe, four La Liga best players awards and the list is everlasting. And did we mention that he became the first man on earth to win four consecutive Ballon d'Or titles!

Is Messi the greatest footballer of all-time? Debatable. But his performance under Pep Guardiola can undoubtedly be put as the greatest a footballer has ever played under one manager.

Using the 4-4-2 formation, here's how the team looks altogether: