The winger singled out the Argentine and Belgian stars as City’s dangermen ahead of Tuesday’s clash, while looking forward to a future meeting with Barcelona and Neymar.
Borussia Monchengladbach’s Raffael has warned his team that they must stop Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne in order to stand a chance in their Champions League opener.
The two teams meet at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday as the European competition’s group stage kicks off for 2016-17.
And their Brazilian star has singled out the two players as particular threats in a “very strong” City side.
“They are a very strong team. We played against them last year, and it’s not easy to play against teams with such quality,” he told Goal.
“Especially with Aguero and De Bruyne up front, it’s very complicated! The most complicated thing will be from their midfield going forward.
“Would a draw be a good result? Absolutely! The first game, away from home, against City… it woulld be nice.”
Monchengladbach can perhaps take heart from the fact they were the only team to deny Pep Guardiola victory in the Bundesliga last season, as his Bayern Munich side registered a defeat and a draw against the side.
But Raffael laughed off the notion that coach Andre Schubert has figured out how to frustrate the new City boss.
“That’s funny! The formula I don’t know, but Schubert studies a lot the way teams play and we try to always do what he asks us,” he said.
“And it works a lot. He’s very nitpicky, specially in the defence.
“The way he works, the way he communicates with the players. He is a very clever coach, who arrived at a difficult moment for us and cheered up the group. He gives us confidence.”
After the City match two clashes with Barcelona and Raffael’s compatriot Neymar loom, although he is understandably nervous about comparing the pair as attacking forces on the left wing.
“I can’t wait for it! This match is the only subject in this town, we’re talking a lot about it. I have friends who’s going to come just to see this game, and we hope to enjoy that moment.” he added.
“Can I play better than Neymar? It’s difficult, Neymar is Brazil’s best player, he is fundamental every time. I don’t think that will happen. It’s difficult”.
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