The major story coming out of Manchester City during the transfer window, for once, had little to do with a big name player arriving.
The worst kept secret in football was finally confirmed when the Etihad club announced that Pep Guardiola would be taking over from Manuel Pellegrini as of July. Excitement naturally ensued and thoughts of the former Bayern Munich coach finally coming to the Premier League have fascinated us all.
However, there is still the small matter of this season to contend with.
One of the most expensively assembled teams of all time are trailing behind Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur in the race for the Premier League title. Not to belittle the front-runners, but Manuel Pellegrini really should be winning this title at a canter, especially considering the state of current champions Chelsea.
With such a good opportunity to win the league, it's almost baffling that the side opted against bringing in anyone over the course of the window.
Can City win the league? You wouldn't bet against them considering their quality, but it is looking increasingly unlikely.
However, with this end of January Dream XI, they surely would have had a better chance.
JOE HART
Joe Hart is one of the few players who proves he is of the class Man City want on a regular basis. Perhaps that is only something that be said for himself, David Silva and Sergio Aguero.
There are very few 'keepers who could better the sterling efforts of Hart in goal, none of which are realistic options.
If City have any chance of winning the league, Hart will be crucial.
PABLO ZABALETA
Though Bacary Sagna impressed early on in the season, surely few would question Pablo Zabaleta's inclusion in the starting lineup.
Modern day full-backs often forget their defensive duties, but that is not something to be said for this stout Argentine. He provides solidity when asked to defend, as well as energy going forward.
As important as ever.
JOHN STONES
Though the thought of John Stones learning under Pep Guardiola is mouth-watering, it is important to consider what he could have brought to the Etihad had he arrived in the past window.
Granted, he's had his critics, but the way in which Everton play doesn't exactly help the blossoming England international.
Paired next to an experienced, top-class option, the 21-year old would flourish.
VINCENT KOMPANY
Injuries have seriously effected the talismanic Belgian all season, and as a result, the entire team in a much wider sense.
Expensive deputies Eliaquim Mangala and Nicolas Otamendi simply look lost without the slick City skipper in the heart of defence, undermining the club's title challenge.
Getting him back into the side is arguably more important than any new signing could prove to be. Kompany marshals the rearguard like no other and gels it together.
It will be very hard for City to win the league should his absence continue.
RICARDO RODRIGUEZ
Neither Gael Clichy nor Aleksander Kolarov are wholly convincing in a left-back brith, particularly defensively. It's been a problem position in Manchester for many years, partly due to the relative dearth of top class available options.
Wolfsburg's Ricardo Rodriguez was linked with a move and the Swiss international would have helped balance out the backline. The 23-year old provides many of the attacking qualities Kolarov brings, as well as expert delivery from the wings.
However, he is far more energetic and better defensively, making around 1.9 interceptions and the same amount of tackles per 90 mins of Bundesliga action.
PAUL POGBA
Okay, this was another unlikely move. However, the mere thought of Paul Pogba arriving at the Etihad is enough to make his inclusion in this fantasy list worth it.
Yaya Toure, as good as he has been, is clearly coming toward the end of his time in Manchester as Father Time looks to be slowly catching up with him. While he's still capable of stunning goals, the Ivorian is looking lacklustre.
Though he's likely to be an incredibly expensive acquisition, Pogba would be the ideal replacement for Toure. His surging, box-to-box runs would drag the team up field in ways not seen since the infamous birthday cake fiasco.
To top it all off, he's irked Manchester United in the past. Simply a must get.
FERNANDINHO
Links with Sergio Busquets have recently aired, though a January move for the Barcelona stalwart was never likely.
Though Fernandinho pales in comparison to the World Cup winner, the Brazilian is the best holding midfielder available to them right now.
It's not as if he's a bad player, the 27-year old is mobile enough to get around the field and comfortable in possession enough to keep attacks moving.
RAHEEM STERLING
For the most part, Raheem Sterling has shrugged off his £49m price tag since making a blockbuster move from Liverpool over the summer. While he's not been in sensational form, the England international has proved to be a good signing.
There's little more to be said for 20 year old really. His frightening pace up and down the wings have so far yielded 10 goals and 3 assists across all competitions.
Will only get better under the tutelage of Guardiola, but remains a key cog in this City side.
DAVID SILVA
David Silva hasn't been in the best of form this season, but remains an absolutely vital part of the side. The Spaniard is their chief creator and is talents must be marvelled.
When he plays well, City play well. That's how important he is to them.
KEVIN DE BRUYNE
Kevin De Bruyne is another who has shrugged off a hefty price tag relatively well. The former Chelsea man is currently out injured, but has returned to the Premier League with a point to prove.
14 goals and 9 assists across all competitions since his £55m move from Wolfsburg have seen the Belgian fit nicely into life at the Etihad. Another who will likely flourish once Pep arrives.
Crucial hat he returns from injury as soon as possible.
SERGIO AGUERO
Simply a world class centre-forward, the best in the Premier League. He will be charged with scoring goals to win City the Premier League, a task he has done before.
If he can stay fit, City's chances hugely improve.