Nathan Ake has been backed to become Manchester City's first-choice left-back by the end of this season.
The summer signing is yet to win a regular place in City's side this season and was more well-known for playing at centre-back at Bournemouth last season.
Yet, speaking on BT Sport, former City defender Joleon Lescott believes Ake may view an inconsistency at left-back as his chance to get into the starting line-up.
He said: "I believe his future will be, in the latter stages of the season as a left-back, I don't think anyone's nailed down that position yet in regards to consistency.
"I think he's aware of that but, throughout the season, he'll play in a number of positions. If you get 20 to 30 games at Man City, they're all important games.
"The Premier League, the FA Cup and the Champions League are all winnable so I don't think he'll begrudge it if he doesn't play in one solid position."
Former City midfielder Owen Hargreaves agreed and said players like Ake add the sort of quality and depth needed to excel in multiple competitions.
Hargreaves said: "He's just a really good player, at Chelsea he came through as a holding midfielder but he played centre-back last season and can play at left-back.
"He's got good experience with the Dutch national team, he's been a captain, so I think he ticks so many boxes for Manchester City.
"I think he's going to be a great squad player, I don't think he's going to start every game but, when he plays, you can rely on him.
"I think back to the Manchester United team we had that won the Champions League; we had four or five of those like Darren Fletcher, Wes Brown, John O'Shea and Ji-Sung Park.
"Those guys help you win titles and I think Ake can do it for them."
He added: "We won the Champions League with Wes Brown playing at right-back even though he's a centre-back.
"When he plays you can trust him. I agree with Joleon that he'll be hard to get out the team at left-back."
Ake was also interviewed on BT Sport and was questioned over his position.
Whilst the 25-year-old said he is happy playing anywhere, he did admit to feeling more comfortable at centre-back.
He said: "I think I'm more comfortable in the centre but I've played all over the pitch when I was younger, in midfield and left-back.
"So I don't really mind and I think it's good to play in different positions and learn different positions as that can only help my game."
