Micah Richards says Aymeric Laporte faces pressure for his place at Man City after John Stones' good form.
Stones was effectively sixth-choice centre-back at City at the start of the season but has become a regular in the side thanks to some good performances.
The England international has formed a good partnership at the back with Ruben Dias, meaning Laporte has found himself a little out of favour recently.
Laporte has made just eight appearances so far this season in all competitions and has not featured in the Premier League since defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in late November.
By contrast, Stones has featured in every Premier League game but one since the defeat to Spurs, which he also played no part in, and has looked a strong option for Pep Guardiola to choose from.
It means former City defender Richards cannot see Laporte getting back into the City team as they currently set-up.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Richards says he feels Laporte - who scored in the Carabao Cup win over Arsenal last night - faces pressure to try and win his place back in the side ahead of Stones.
"I really do," he said. "I’ve done many pieces on John Stones now and I feel like he’s in the form of his life.
"Laporte can always be trusted, I think he’s got the balance with his left foot as well, so you can always count on him.
"But at this moment, the partnership between Dias and Stones looks really good.
"There might be an option where he goes with a three at the back at one stage, to get players further forward, but yeah, he’s done really well, John Stones."
