Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias
Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias could form a strong centre-back partnership for City this season
If a successful football team is often built on partnerships, then Manchester City have a couple that look particularly promising ahead of the new season.
Partnerships on the pitch can take many forms. It’s not just about those working together centrally, but a right-back and his right-sided central defender or a right-back and the winger in front of him. Every part of the system needs to be in sync for it to work.
At this season, the spine of the side looks promising, and that could be vital. The wingers are raw but exciting, and the right-back is still a question mark. However, in the middle, there is strength, from the experienced Ederson in goal to Erling Haaland scoring the goals at the tip of the team.
City might lack a little pace defensively, but the pairing between and Josko Gvardiol looks secure, and it’s hard to see that combination being disturbed too often, especially for big games.
It got a chance to blossom last season when Nico O’Reilly became a more permanent fixture at left-back. Gvardiol has been keen to play in the centre of defence and his game suits being alongside Dias.
Both are combative defenders, but Dias is strong in the air and a commanding leader. is excellent on the ball and can pick a pass. Given time, they could develop into one of the best central defensive pairings in the Premier League.
If he can stay fit, John Stones will want to show he can still challenge for a role there, but Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake now look like squad players at best, with Abdokodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis the next generation.
In January, it looked like Rodri’s long-term partner would be Nico Gonzalez, but after a bright start at the Etihad, the £50million midfielder has struggled recently. There is even a chance he leaves the club this summer.
His status has certainly changed, and the £46.3million deal to sign Tijjani Reijnders has signalled a change of guard.
looked promising during the Club World Cup, occasionally filling in for Rodri, but his long-term status will surely be next to the Spaniard.
The Dutchman developed an eye for goal at AC Milan last summer and is a classic box-to-box midfielder. Already, his game looks the ideal foil for , especially if the Ballon d’Or winner can get back to his best.
Having Dias and Gvardiol together in defence and Rodri and Reijnders dovetailing in midfield looks encouraging for City. Of course, there will be rotation, and it is a long season when a player’s stock can rise and fall, but right now, the spine of this team could be a strength for Guardiola.
Kevin de Bruyne is one of - if not the - greatest players to play for Manchester City.
He leaves the club having won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups and a memorable Champions League victory!
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To mark his amazing time at the Etihad Stadium, this special edition has been produced - KDB The King - to celebrate Kev's career with the Blues. We look back at his 10 best games in Blue, celebrate his title wins and hear from the City boss and a host of team-mates and football elite who give their views on what makes him so special.
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