Manchester City vs. Tottenham Hotspur: Combined Starting XI

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: David Silva of Manchester City is closed down by Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at Etihad Stadium on February 14, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 13: Manchester City player Fernandinho in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Sunderland at Etihad Stadium on August 13, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /

Fernandinho

Another very tough selection. Spurs have Victor Wanyama and Eric Dier, also Dele Alli has been known to drop deeper in the midfield.

But for my money, there isn’t a better defensive mid in the whole Premier League than Fernandinho. Like Guardiola said Fernandinho is so good he can play anywhere on the pitch other than goalkeeper.

Plus he is in the top five in the league in completed passes this season so far. We’ll use him in his preferred defensive mid role, sitting in front of the back four.