And Doyle knows better than most about the myriad qualities possessed by Pep Guardiola’s supremely talented squad.
One of our acclaimed Academy graduates and the grandson of City legends Mike Doyle and Glyn Pardoe, having joined City as an eight-year-old, creative midfielder Doyle has gone on to make seven first team appearances with the Club.
And on Friday morning City and Wolves announced the 22-year-old will join the latter on a permanent deal on July 1, having spent the 2023/24 season on loan at the Molineux.
After then furthering his footballing development with loan spells at SV Hamburg, Cardiff City and Sheffield United, Doyle subsequently joined Wolves on a season-long loan at the start of the 2023/24 campaign.
He has gone on to make a big impact at Molineux this term, making 30 appearances to date across all competitions.
Under the terms of the loan deal, Doyle will be ineligible to feature at the Etihad for Gary O’Neil’s side.
It’s a key game for both sides with City seeking a win that would keep us on track for what would be an unprecedented fourth successive men’s Premier League crown.
Looking ahead to the match, Doyle said Wolves were more than aware of the calibre and quality of the reigning champions, but he insisted it was a challenge they were ready to embrace rather than fear.
“You’re speaking about probably the best teams in the world here, we know the threats and what they’re capable of,” the former City Academy graduate pointed out.
“The game for City is massive, obviously with them chasing the league, and the game for us is massive too because we are still proving to everyone that we can compete with these big teams.
“We’ve just got to be at it and got to be fearless and play our way and see what happens.
“But we understand what they’re going for and we understand how aggressive they’ll be and what the stadium will be like so it’s going to be enjoyable.
“A lot of the lads have played there many of times, they know how difficult it can be, but again we are going there to win. That’s the whole point.
“We’ve had great success against the top teams this season, one being City at home when we won the game. It should be an exciting game and one I’m looking forward to.
“I wish I could play in the game, it would be amazing, but obviously I can’t so for the lads it will be an amazing experience to go there and compete with one of the best teams in the world.”
Regardless of Saturday’s outcome, from a personal perspective this season has already proved hugely successful in terms of Doyle’s long-term development.
The England Under-21 international has gained a wealth of top-flight experience and cemented himself as a pivotal figure in a Wolves squad that has garnered widespread praise for the way they have gone about their business.
Reflecting on the past 10 months, Doyle pointed to the many learnings he has picked up throughout the campaign as part of O’Neil’s squad.
“I think this is where everyone wants to be and I was ready to prove that I can play in the Premier League,” Doyle added.
“I’ve obviously been used to being in Manchester a long time and, yeah, I’ve had a few different loans that have set me up perfectly for this one in the Premier League.
“It’s been amazing [and] good to have my first season in the top-flight.
“I think I’ve done quite a good job, obviously I’ve got more to come.
“So, it’s been really enjoyable and a lot to learn and still [to] improve but obviously that will come as I play more games and keep enjoying it really.
“A lot to learn, a lot to be proud of and just [look to] kick on now and be better next season.”
