Pep Guardiola has hailed Everton boss Ronald Koeman as he prepares to pit his wits against his former Barcelona teammate at the Etihad on Saturday.
The pair spent five years as teammates at the Nou Camp and the Manchester City boss says he learned a lot from the Dutchman during that time.
“We spent a lot of time and he was so generous, not only on the pitch," Guardiola said.
“I learned a lot just from looking at him. He was one of the first central defenders with the quality not just to defend.
“Johan Cruyff bought Ronald Koeman to show us, to teach us why we need a central defender like Ronald.
“He was one of the few guys I never saw felt or miss an important game. I never saw him play a bad game in an important game.”
City will be without Bacary Sagna, with Guardiola hinting he could play another player at right-back rather than recognised choice Pablo Zabaleta.
The City boss also said the Kevin De Bruyne, Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling are all 'much, much, much better', but said they would not all feature.
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