Southampton defender Maya Yoshida believes the Manchester City side he will face on Sunday does not have as many stand-out stars as Sir Alex Ferguson's final Premier League winning team.
Ferguson won the last of his 13 league titles in 2013 thanks to match-winners like Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney.
Yoshida, whose Japanese international teammate Shinji Kagawa played in that side, said: 'Collectively Manchester City are the best team.
'But individually the team with Van Persie and Rooney, when Ferguson was still there and Kagawa was there, Manchester United was still top.'
Champions City will arrive at St Mary's bidding to avoid a third straight defeat and Yoshida said: 'I think it will be tough for us because they are really, really hungry.
'At December-time everything can be possible in the Premier League because everyone is so tired, especially teams playing in the Champions League and on international breaks.
'They have had many fixtures since the start of the season.
'Luckily we play two home games in a row, with no travelling.' Southampton's mini revival under new Austrian manager Ralph Hasenhuttl was halted by a 2-1 defeat at home to West Ham on Thursday.
Yoshida said: 'We are still learning under the new manager and we have to show what we are trying even against Manchester City and Chelsea. We need to improve.
'We are still trying new things and have to improve a lot. Two wins is not enough and we are still in the process.
'There is no magic so we have to put 100 per cent effort every time.
'If you look at the table we are still near the bottom so have to keep fighting and showing our desire. Every game is important.
'It does not matter who we play; it is all about ourselves. That is what the manager wants from us.'
