The Man City fans in the Transfer Tavern are pretty pleased with who Pep Guardiola has available for selection at present. The Spaniard has built quite the squad since his arrival, focusing on both youth and experience, and resultantly he has the perfect mixture of quality within a fantastic squad that is in impressing the Premier League.

They’ve got talent up and down the pitch, with Kevin De Bruyne and Sergio Aguero leading the charge going forward, whilst Fernandinho and Vincent Kompany are impressing at the back.

However, for all of the talent within the squad, it is far from perfect, and the central defence is an area of particular concern. The duo of Nicolas Otamendi and Vincent Kompany are decent choices for Pep Guardiola, but neither has been able to play every game this season, and beyond them – the options are very limited.

In particular, Eliaquim Mangala – who played at the weekend – has struggled this season, and it’s clear that he isn’t good enough to represent the Citizens. In January, then, replacing him should be a priority for Pep Guardiola.

With that said, Man City simply must replace him with 1 of these 2 defenders in January – agreed?

Virgil van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk is arguably one of the best central defenders in the Premier League, and he’d be a great fit at the Etihad.

He’s already experienced in the English top flight, and he’s proven his quality over the last years with Southampton. What’s more, his fantastic range of passing and leadership at the back will make him a perfect fit for the Man City defence.

Pep Guardiola values a defender that can actually play football, and there’s no doubt that van Dijk is of that ilk.

He would be an expensive signing, but he is clearly looking to make a step up, and the Etihad would be a great destination for both the player and the Citizens.

Kalidou Koulibaly

Another player that would fit in well with Guardiola’s philosophies is Kalidou Koulibaly.

Napoli have been sensational this season, and their style of play matches up nicely with Man City’s.

Koulibaly, then, wouldn’t need much time to adjust to what is a very similar methodology, and that’s without mentioning his fantastic defensive attributes.

Strong in the air, quick, excellent in the tackle, Koulibaly has it all – and he’s destined to make it to the highest level over the next few years.