Pep Guardiola has hailed the impact of Ruben Dias and his partnership with Aymeric Laporte which has offered Manchester City something they were missing last season.
Dias became City's record signing during the summer transfer window after the club's pursuit of Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly went cold.
The Portuguese has slotted in seamlessly to the City back four and has already formed a good understanding with City's first-choice centre-back Aymeric Laporte.
Dias started Saturday's win against Sheffield United alongside the Frenchman and the defensive duo were in top form, keeping Rhian Brewster and Oli McBurnie quiet in the Blades attack.
Guardiola believes Dias' arrival means City now have consistency in their back four which they lacked last season due to a series of injuries.
"They both played really well as well," Guardiola told BT Sport. "These guys give us consistency. We struggled a lot last season without two central defenders.
"Of course, we will need everyone because of the amount of games. It's impossible to play both every game."
City secured all three points against Chris Wilder's side as a result of a Kyle Walker goal on his 100th Premier League appearance for the Blues.
Guardiola heaped praise on the right-back who extended his excellent start to the season.
He added: "Not just for the goal. The goal helped us a lot but his concentration, he understands what to do defensively. His physicality.
"He's played almost all the minutes. I'm so happy he scored against a team he loves a lot.
"I remember when Sheffield United played in the play-offs and he was in the dressing room saying 'come on Sheffield, come on Sheffield.'
"He loves this club but the goal was so important for us."
