New recruit can help bring solidity to midfield this season and potentially play alongside his compatriot in future

If Manchester City supporters are expecting Nico González to be a silver bullet in midfield, they may want to calm their hopes. The 23-year-old Spaniard has arrived from Porto for £50m to help fill the huge hole left by his compatriot Rodri in front of the defence but the former Barcelona man is a very different player. City will need to adapt to him, rather than the other way round, if they are to solve their gaping problem.

Pep Guardiola’s and City’s difficulties have been glaringly apparent since Rodri tore a cruciate ligament in September. They have lacked physicality and mobility in midfield, leaving them to endure a dreadful run and arguably the best coach of his generation has been unable to find a solution with what was available to him. González’s welcome to England, and the first test of his capabilities and La Masia upbringing, could come at League One Leyton Orient in the FA Cup on Saturday.