At his press conference ahead Sunday’s difficult trip to Chelsea, Manuel Pellegrini has heaped praise on in-form striker Sergio Aguero, describing him as one of the top five players in world football.



Aguero has started the season on fire, scoring 9 goals in all competitions, including five in his last three matches. It's form reminiscent of his debut season in England where he scored a magnificent 30 goals, the first City player to do so since Francis Lee in 1972.



At 25, Aguero has plenty of time ahead of him, but his manager believes he is already one of the world’s elite players.

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Pellegrini said:



"I always talk with Sergio [and tell him] that he for me is one of the five top players in the world and he must try to demonstrate it in every game he plays.



"He is playing with more intensity when we don't have the ball. He has a lot of quality to make the difference.



"He was an important player also in the past. With his goal Manchester City won the title [in 2012]. We hope in the future he will continue being a very important player for the club."

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In tandem with Alvaro Negredo, Aguero seems have found his best form again. Both have great technique and quick footballing brains, with the power and strength of Negredo contrasting nicely with Aguero’s pace and desire to score goals. Every time they step out on to the pitch at the moment, they look likely to link up and score goals, a natural understanding underpinning everything they do.



Aguero can surely now be categorised as one of the finest players on the planet. His success at Atletico, where he scored 100 goals and won Europa League and European Super Cup has now been augmented by his performances for City, which have been excellent since his arrival. His role in City’s title win was clear, and he looks hellbent on repeating that success



Pellegrini will be desperate to keep him fit because his goals could prove to be vital in this season’s race for the title.



Pellegrini also denied reports that captain Vincent Kompany will be fit for Sunday’s game. The Manchester Evening News had claimed the defender would be fit, but the City boss confirmed he will not be fit enough to play any part.



“Vincent is still injured, so he will not have a chance to play this game,” said Pellegrini. “Jack Rodwell is okay and all the others are fit, we have no more injuries.”



It’s a huge blow for City who tend to struggle without their captain. However, with Aguero in the form of his life, City have much to be confident about going into their toughest match of the season.

All quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2013-14 season. Follow him on Twitter here @TypicalCity.