Manchester City were brave when they decided to smash their financial architecture to make Bunny Shaw one of the highest-paid female footballers in the world. To reshape an entire pay scale around one player was previously unthinkable. Most believed they would not be so bold.

City's decision makers wavered and nearly turned their back on the club's prized striker. But the U-turn that followed has the potential to be era-defining.

In most cases, it would be considered unwise to allocate such a high proportion of the wage bill in favour of one individual. Divisive, even. But this player is special. Irreplaceable on every level. The best the Women's Super League has ever seen.

Shaw plundered 27 goals in 32 outings in all competitions for Manchester City last term. Her WSL tally (21) helped her become the first player in competition history to win the Golden Boot for a third successive campaign; her excellence acting as the backbone of City's league and cup double.

Of course others contributed plenty. This is a team game. But not as forcefully as Shaw. Personal commendation does not get higher than being named PFA Player of the Year, the second time in three seasons she has won the respect of peers she plays with and against.

City boss Andree Jeglertz takes his fair share of praise, too. He unlocked new levels in Shaw. The forward herself calls that difference "free football", a phrase used to describe the key change between City's style under Jeglertz and the more structured approach of predecessor Gareth Taylor.

"Chemistry is the biggest thing," Shaw cited when collecting her PFA award. The game's top striker knows the value of those around her. It's often the collective that forms the remarkable. City's depth is the strongest it's ever been. And yet, the market places them second favourites to retain their crown behind Chelsea this season. A curious calculation.

A team of City's quality with Shaw in the mix surely has the right to be considered the top contender before a ball is kicked. It's the reason Chelsea themselves pushed hard to sign Shaw before City saw sense and tied the 29-year-old down to the most lucrative contract in the club's history.

And now City are winners, it's difficult to see the shine of such an impressive team wearing off so quickly. By many of the squad's own admissions, it's taken some time to hone the ways of a champion. These are learned behaviours only made possible through experience. But there should be no underestimating their force now.

Shaw, having stayed injury free to reach greater heights, is an integral element of this new air of authority. Everything she did last season was smarter than before. Styled like a winner.

Her movement was sharper. She discovered new blind-sides, exploited different weaknesses. She unlocked ways to create for others and score herself. She was the shortcut to a gluttony of goals, three shy of City's best-ever total. And it influenced others to step up.

"I keep driving my personal standards because over the years I've noticed it rub off on everyone else," she said last month, PFA trophy in hand. "The girls say I'm hard on myself. But I want to be better and help the team achieve the highest of highs."

It's hard to keep the Jamaica international satisfied. It brings to mind a conversation shared on the eve of last season, where Shaw described the potential she saw in City under Jeglertz. "If we can get it right on the pitch, we can be deadly. We can be unstoppable if we focus on the fine details the manager wants.

"We're going to attack the league." City first went top of the WSL on November 9 last year, never relinquishing their position on the way to the title. By February they were 11 points clear of any competitor.

Of course it is too simplistic a conclusion to assume Manchester City win the league again solely based on recent history. Or Shaw's immense output. The contributions of many others matter. City's dominance could hardly have been established by one player, regardless of how brilliant.

But her re-signing for a fee reported to be worth up to £1.6m per year is as significant for City as it is rivals. Such investment is unprecedented and represents a belief that the Manchester club can turn one season of success into a sustained period of power. Just like Chelsea did under Emma Hayes.

The fact they have let Kerolin leave for Barcelona in a record-breaking sale this summer is another sign of new fortitude. A ready-made replacement with trophy-winning experience in Beth Mead was already signed, plus stacks of younger talent remains in reserve. Jeglertz is spoilt for choice.

City are finally showing a willingness to step out of the comfort zone that indulged a 10-year wait between each of their two WSL crowns. This when the fun starts. And, with the right commitment to courage, potentially where a new WSL dynasty begins.

Watch Man City's season opener vs Birmingham live on Sky Sports on Sunday; kick-off 2.30pm