Nathan Ake has been Manchester City's most improved player by some distance this season and it couldn't have come at a more perfect time.
It's often discussed how forwards need at least a year to reach their full potential after signing for City due to Pep Guardiola's unique and complex methods and maybe it can apply to defenders as well.
Playing full-back is probably the most difficult position in the side, after all. Many have questioned Ake's qualities in the two years since his signing from Bournemouth and wondered why City had spent so much money on a player who was effectively a versatile backup.
But those critics have been left eating their words this season. ALSO READ: Jack Grealish wants even more Man City game time after repaying Pep Guardiola faith Not only was he the first-choice centre-back for the first half of the season but he has now moved to left-back or in the space between the two positions in a back three and is doing even better.