Manchester City’s best XI after 11 Premier League matches

CB – Nicolas Otamendi

Nicolas Otamendi received a lot of criticism when he first moved to City last year because his performances were not good enough for a player of his quality.

However, he seems to have been reborn under Guardiola, and is arguably the first-choice centre-back at the club ahead of John Stones and the injury-prone Vincent Kompany.

A defender who’s powerful, strong in the tackle, and solid in the air, Otamendi has adapted to Guardiola’s style brilliantly by being more controlled and resilient at the back, instead of rash like he was at times in the past.

He has also improved his ball retention and passing, and could be an important part of the City defence for years to come.