John Giles believes Fernandinho will thrive at centre-back for Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola's side are in the midst of a defensive injury crisis.

Former captain Vincent Kompany departed in the summer, leaving John Stones, Nicolas Otamendi and most importantly, Aymeric Laporte as the main natural centre-backs in the squad.

However, a knee injury has ruled Laporte out until next Spring. Stones has also picked up an injury that keeps him out for at least the next month.

Manager Guardiola must now shuffle the deck and defensive midfielder Fernandinho is a candidate for redeployment.

Indeed, Ireland and Leeds legend Giles believes the Brazilian will go on to be City's best centre-back as he told us on Thursday's Football with John Giles.

Blessing in disguise

"I think it's his best position. It could be a blessing in disguise," he said.

"He's 34 but he's a fit guy. He was the holding midfield player and I thought he did that well. But he was a very, very good defender.

"And usually with lads who are good defenders in midfield, the further you step back in football, the easier it is.

"Because you're facing everything and can see everything in front of you. I think he reads the game well from the midfield position. I think he'll read it even better and could turn out to be the best defender they have in the club at this particular time."

But John still reckons that Man City should have brought in another defender in the summer.

"They should have gone for [Harry] Maguire. Maguire was made for them," he said.

"But I think there are complications there with [Financial Fair Play]. I think had they gone for Maguire - which would've been a record fee for a defender - now that looks odd in the position that they're in. Maguire was exactly what they needed."

You can watch the full chat with John Giles above via our YouTube channel.

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