Manchester City were once again pushed to their limits by a Lyon side who surely have to be regarded as one of the dark horses for the Champions League this season.

Domestically, Manchester City are untouchable, but on the European stage they have twice been exposed by Lyon in a manner which suggests there are frailties to be exploited. City's cause wasn't aided by the injuries sustained by both Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan before the league leaders made the trip to France, and their collective absence showed throughout proceedings.

Fernandinho is one of the best in the business when it comes to single-handedly marshalling the midfield, but even he struggled to contain a relentless Lyon side full of speed, dynamism and attacking intent.

Anchoring Lyon's midfield was a player who has risen to prominence in English football in the past twelve months, Tanguy Ndombele. If reports are to be believed then the 21-year-old is wanted by at least half a dozen Premier League clubs, and on the evidence of his showing on Tuesday evening it's easy to see why.

Ndombele was not only adept at breaking up the play and squeezing the space which City naturally intend to penetrate in the final-third, he was a menace in possession of the ball and looked incredibly confident when he picked his head up to deliver forward-thinking passes.

Frenkie de Jong, one of Ajax's most highly regarded academy products, has been widely touted as City's dream replacement for Fernandinho, but his qualities do not closely resemble Fernandinho's in the same way Ndombele's do.

De Jong is an exceptional midfielder, no doubt. He is incredibly elusive on the field of play and his habit of drifting into space to collect the ball is difficult to contain.

Defensively he is diligent, deceptively strong and intelligent with his positioning sense, but that side of his game does not come quite as naturally as Ndombele's does.

With that to consider, Guardiola should prioritise a move for Lyon's lynchpin rather than the Ajax prodigy, though, it is a decision-making process which will certainly divide opinion among the club's bigwigs.

One thing is for sure: City need a replacement for Fernandinho by the end of next season. Based on Ndombele's similarity to Fernandinho and his exceptional development in France, Guardiola should look no further.

Manchester City fans - thoughts? Let us know below!