Delph described as a banker by Catalan boss

Pep Guardiola has expressed his trust in England International, as he guarantees his place in the City's first team in the absence of Benjamin Mendy.

Manchester City maintained solid grip on top spot position in the Premier League following a convincing four nil victory over the Hammer after the international break saw them lose two key members of their best eleven.

City had on troubles in dismantling the Hammers on Saturday, having failed to travel with Benjamin Mendy and Bernardo Silva as a result of injuries, however, City's Catalan boss replaced both with Fabian Delph and Ilker Gundogan respectively, with the latter [Fabian Delph] performing enough to deserve an applaud from his Manager.

Despite the fact that this was only his third start in a league game this season, Delph helps this City side fit together so seamlessly.

"Fabian is an important player for us. Last season he helped us by playing in that position when Mendy was injured, and he did well.

“It is not easy when you play in different positions but he has. There is always room for the team to improve, but Fabian is always a banker for us – and the other players know it.”

Teams occasionally target Delph because he is not a natural left-back and could be a potential weak spot in a team that does not have many.

They usually find they are wrong – as West Ham did. Slotting into the role with Benjamin Mendy injured, once again the 29-year-old was his usual unflappable self.

Delph had skippered England for the first time against the USA nine days earlier and Guardiola said: “The reason he can do all these things and play in different positions is because he is a nice guy.

“You cannot be the England captain and help the team if you are not a good guy.

Next up for Manchester City is a trip to France to take on Olympique Lyon in the Champions League.

City are top of their Champions League group, and could qualify for the knockout round if they can secure a win.