In what has already been a stellar season for Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, Leroy Sane has shone brighter than most.
Only 22-years-old, Sane, who arrived in Manchester with Guardiola in 2016, has already given the former Barcelona boss cause for comparing the young German winger with Lionel Messi.
In possession of ferocious pace and incredible close-control on the ball, many opposition defenders have struggled to contain him. Having already contributed three more goals than he scored last season in total, City's plunge into the latter stages of the Champions League are sure to offer Sane even greater room to showcase his talents against the very best.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of this weekend's tie against Chelsea, Sane considered the influence Guardiola has had on his game, his relationship with Kevin de Bruyne and, the most difficult opponent he has faced all season.
Given that City have only lost one game all season (and even that 4-3 defeat to Liverpool hardly signified a defensive masterclass from Jurgen Klopp's men), particularly testing opponents may have been few and far between for the German.
However, in an earlier game against Crystal Palace, City very nearly came undone; and this is where Sane identifies his most grueling test to date:
Crystal Palace's right-back Timothy Fosu-Mensah, I have played against him twice this season, and even last season, he had me really well under control and I told him how happy I was to play against him.
The 20-year-old Dutch full-back joined Crystal Palace on loan from City's local rivals Manchester United at the beginning of this season.
A player that made his debut under Louis van Gaal, some were surprised that Jose Mourinho could find no role for Fosu-Mensah in his squad this season.
If Sane's commendation is anything to go by, the young full back may well be reaping the benefits of playing regular, Premier League football and, in a season or two, perhaps the pair will be facing off once again in a Manchester derby.
