How will Guehi fit into the City team?

Marc Guehi's ability on the ball is something City will benefit from - particularly given how deep teams tend to defend against them.

When City lost at United on Saturday, their central defenders were given the most time and space on the ball, but with John Stones, Gvardiol and Dias out, they lacked the quality to take advantage of this.

Proficient at passing and dribbling with both feet while being a strong carrier of the ball, Guehi is able to get his teams up the pitch when not immediately pressed.

City lacked players who were able to switch play or hit the ball long when United committed extra defenders to one side. This is a strength of Guehi's and with both feet. Across the entirety of last season, Guehi played an average of 7.3 long passes per 90 minutes at a 45.7% pass accuracy.

When City have had possession this season, they have tended to keep both central defenders back while their full-backs push on. At times, midfielder Bernardo Silva has split the centre-backs to form a temporary back three.

Guehi's versatility is useful here. For Palace and England, he has shown an ability to play as either left or right-sided centre-half in a back four, and all three positions of a back three too.

With City often opting to play with three at the back in possession, Guehi will feel comfortable however he is used.

Although his aerial ability is not his biggest attribute, Guehi competes strongly in ground duels towards the left side of the pitch.

His ability to utilise his body and tackle with both feet after stepping up into the opposition half will be a much-needed quality in covering for City's attacking full-backs as they attempt to press teams high.

Guardiola has spoken fondly of Khusanov and Alleyne in recent weeks but clearly feels leadership is needed in the absence of Dias. Guehi's pedigree as a Premier League captain will provide a guiding voice for City's young defenders.

With Stones and Ake often injured and heading towards the latter part of their City careers, this appears an astute buy.