Pep Guardiola has called Nicolas Otamendi a "superman" for his contribution to Manchester City’s record start to the 2017/18 Premier League.
The central defender has played in 19 of City’s 20 matches this season, scoring four times and making the most passes in the competition, with 1,734.
"If I would like to point to a player who deserves respect for what we have done so far this season, it is Otamendi," Guardiola told City’s official website ahead of Sunday’s trip to Crystal Palace.
"Being a central defender in our team is not easy.
"They have to do more than just defending. It is so demanding. This kind of thing can only happen when you are brave and have courage."