At the beginning of the 2020/21 season, Manchester City supporters had genuine concerns about the depleted and out of form backline.
Their worries were further emphasised when a defensive line of Kyle Walker, Eric Garcia, Nathan Aké and Benjamin Mendy lost 5-2 to Leicester City in the Blues opening home fixture of the campaign.
With Aymeric Laporte still recovering from a long-term knee injury and John Stones' inconsistent fitness problems, Manchester City needed to address the gaping hole in the transfer market.
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They, in the end, spent £65 million on Ruben Dias from Benfica - and the rest is history. Forming an elite partnership with John Stones, the Portuguese international played 50 times over the season and received the FWA Footballer of the Season in recognition of his stellar debut campaign.
His security in the backline has handed Manchester City back-to-back Premier League titles and a first-ever appearance in the Champions League final just over 12 months ago.
From the state it was in, the Blues' backline is as settled as ever. Aymeric Laporte's return to form has been a welcome boost, with the Spaniard, Ruben Dias, John Stones and Nathan Aké forming a quartet of elite options at Pep Guardiola's disposal.
Competition for places is fierce and there is bound to be some unhappiness about game time. Aymeric Laporte was Ruben Dias' preferred partner last season, but Nathan Aké was ever-reliable when called upon - particularly towards the title run-in.
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However, that harmony may be called into question if an emerging report from Nathan Gissing of Di Marzio is to be believed.
He says Chelsea are interested in re-signing Manchester City defender, Nathan Ake. The former Champions League winners boss Thomas Tuchel is a big fan of the player and it is seen as another situation to keep an eye on.
The Dutchman broke through the ranks of Chelsea's academy in 2013 before moving onto AFC Bournemouth in search of regular first-team football. After impressing for the Cherries, Pep Guardiola paid £40 million to snatch him from the Vitality Stadium after they were relegated in 2020.
This season, a vital goal against Leeds United and one remarkable goal line clearance against Arsenal were notable highlights from a much-improved second season.
Featured Image Credit: News Images / AlamyTopics: Manchester City, Chelsea, Premier League, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours