The defence rests...How City could line up across the back in next campaign

SOME 12 months ago, City's defence and goalkeeper were so secure that the fans had a chant to pay tribute to their stoppers.

- JOE BRAY

Ederson and Ake. Walker and Akanji. Ruben Dias. Johnny Stones.

The goalkeeper was undroppable, and backed up his manager's unerring faith with a Champions Leaguewinning performance in Istanbul.

Stones, pushing into midfield, was reinventing the centre-back role. Nathan Ake ended City's prolonged search for a 'proper' leftback. And Manu Akanji was deputising anywhere after signing for the bargain fee of £14million.

Kyle Walker was the only question mark after the Treble success.

Walker, who turned 34 yesterday, admits his playing time may have to drop in the coming seasons.

Stones found himself out of the first-team picture during the run-in so must knuckle down to reclaim his place over the summer. Even Dias' place wasn't secure.

Newcomer Josko Gvardiol and with Ake and Akanji were fully deserving of their places in the last months of the season on merit.

Behind the defence, Ederson has been linked with an exit and backup Stefan Ortega says he could leave this summer in search of more playing time.

M.E.N. Sport takes a look at where each player in the goalkeeper and defensive ranks stands after 2023/24 and what they must do next season:

WHO COULD LEAVE? 

Let’s start with the bad news.

Stefan Ortega was the first player to say he could look to leave this summer after a fine run of games. He, fairly, wants to be playing more but has been told repeatedly by Pep Guardiola that he will still be number two next season.

His family circumstances will dictate his decision as he is expecting his second child, but he admitted last week there have been no offers that come close to what City provide him so far.

Ederson has been linked with a transfer to Saudi Arabia which could complicate matters, but Guardiola and City want him to stay.