Manchester City defeated Swansea 3-1 in the League Cup on Wednesday night. The local media "Manchester Evening News" wrote an article analyzing the prospects of this rebuilding Manchester City, and specifically mentioned the state of this summer's new aid Shelki and his significance to the team.

"Manchester Evening News" first pointed out that Manchester City is no longer the team it used to be. Pep Guardiola's side have destroyed all opponents over the past seven years and have won four consecutive League Cups, in addition to other more important trophies. But that team no longer exists. The starting line-up at Swansea is proof of this: Ake is the only player to have won the League Cup at the Etihad.

The team's mentality collapsed during the injury crisis last season, and many players who were regular championship players also lost the edge that had allowed their head coach to last longer than anyone dared to dream. This season, the team spent about 350 million pounds to introduce 10 new players. The result is a team that is still rebuilding.

Manchester City's performance against Swansea will scare no one: four of the 10 aforementioned new signings were making their first starts after long-term injuries, and they looked rusty.

Serki was the better performer of the four, but he did embody many of the issues surrounding the team. His potential is huge, he was at the heart of some of City's best attacks against the Championship side and he is living proof that Guardiola will never emulate the growing number of teams like Stoke City under Tony Pulis.

But Shelki is still learning, and will be for a while - as are many of his teammates. Goncalo Franco gave Swansea an unexpected lead in the first half with a brilliant, unadjusted shot from outside the penalty area at Trafford. But then the goalkeeper made a crucial save when Husanov's sloppy cross towards Ake was intercepted.

For most of the first half, it was easy to conclude that none of the 10 players Guardiola had rotated in the previous game, as well as Oscar Bob, who still started, could win the starting spot against Bournemouth at home on Sunday with such a performance.

However, these players deserve recognition for getting the team back on track. The reason City have won so many trophies under Guardiola is because they never give up no matter where they go or who they play, and this game proved that this new crop of players is showing the same signs.

Although "veterans" Gvadiol, Stones and Foden were substituted, it was the new players who played a decisive role: Gonzalez sent a wonderful pass, Shirki made a precise pass, and Malmouche made excellent touches and shots.

It wasn't a classic night, but this new-look team can only get better. But just how much better it will be, and whether they will be good enough to compete for trophies this season, remains to be seen. But even if opponents should no longer fear them because of City's reputation, this team in 2025 will be dangerous opponents, especially if Shirki can keep playing like this.