Combined Best XI: Manchester City vs. Swansea City

SWANSEA, WALES - SEPTEMBER 24: Swansea player Mike van der Hoorn (r) is challenged by David Silva of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Manchester City at Liberty Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
SWANSEA, WALES - SEPTEMBER 24: Swansea player Mike van der Hoorn (r) is challenged by David Silva of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Swansea City and Manchester City at Liberty Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
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STRATFORD, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 01: Manchester City’s Nicolas Otamendi during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester City at London Stadium on February 1, 2017 in Stratford, England. (Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)
STRATFORD, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 01: Manchester City’s Nicolas Otamendi during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester City at London Stadium on February 1, 2017 in Stratford, England. (Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)

First Centerback – Nicolas Otamendi

Despite criticism since joining Manchester City last season, Nicolas Otamendi is a top choice for me at centerback. He is physical, athletic, and a threat in the air. He isn’t scared to throw his body around the for the team, and has limited his own mistakes. I feel for John Stones to get better, he needs more time with Otamendi to form a strong bond in the back. At 28, Otamendi still proves to be a tough defender to break down for opponents.