Man City have two new partnerships that could transform their fortunes

If a successful football team is often built on partnerships, then Manchester City have a couple that look particularly promising ahead of the new season.

Partnerships on the pitch can take many forms. It’s not just about those working together centrally, but a right-back and his right-sided central defender or a right-back and the winger in front of him. Every part of the system needs to be in sync for it to work.

At City this season, the spine of the side looks promising, and that could be vital. The wingers are raw but exciting, and the right-back is still a question mark. However, in the middle, there is strength, from the experienced Ederson in goal to Erling Haaland scoring the goals at the tip of the team.

City might lack a little pace defensively, but the pairing between Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol looks secure, and it’s hard to see that combination being disturbed too often, especially for big games.

It got a chance to blossom last season when Nico O’Reilly became a more permanent fixture at left-back. Gvardiol has been keen to play in the centre of defence and his game suits being alongside Dias.

Both are combative defenders, but Dias is strong in the air and a commanding leader. Gvardiol is excellent on the ball and can pick a pass. Given time, they could develop into one of the best central defensive pairings in the Premier League.

If he can stay fit, John Stones will want to show he can still challenge for a role there, but Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake now look like squad players at best, with Abdokodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis the next generation.

In January, it looked like Rodri’s long-term partner would be Nico Gonzalez, but after a bright start at the Etihad, the £50million midfielder has struggled