Ruud Gullit has identified his fellow countryman Virgil van Dijk and Liverpool's defence as the key reasons why Manchester City have struggled in the Premier League title race this season.
City came into the campaign on the back of consecutive title wins and were favourites to make it three in a row under Pep Guardiola.
But the Blues have been behind the eight-ball from the off and a 3-1 loss to Liverpool last November turned out to be the start of a fall from grace for the club.
Dutch legend Gullit says it's Liverpool's defence which has set them apart this season, with Jurgen Klopp's men having conceded just 15 goals in 26 matches this term.
City, on the other hand, have struggled defensively following the injury blow for Aymeric Laporte earlier in the season and the exit of former captain Vincent Kompany ahead of the campaign.
Gullit told Omnisport: "In order to win, all the best teams have a good defence.
"At Barcelona, with Carles Puyol at the back, they had a good defence.
"If you don't have that then you can attack all you like but you're always conceding a lot of goals.
"Pep Guardiola bought four central defenders and they couldn't do it. That was unlucky with injuries but it is a stable factor to have defenders that can do the things that you need to do.
"A lot of teams don't defend well. So, with Van Dijk, that was an issue that was done [solved]."
