Mohamed Simakan vs. Josko Gvardiol

Following an injury to captain Willi Orban, Mohamed Simakan has had to step up and take on a leading role within the backline. The 23-year old has not disappointed so far this season and has formed a rock-solid centre-back partnership along with countryman Castello Jr. RBL have the third-best defensive record in the Bundesliga at the time of writing (12 goals conceded) behind Bayer Leverkusen (10) and FC Bayern (9) which is in large part due to our new-look backline. Simakan and Castello Jr. played together for France U21s and have shown maturity beyond their years with their performances so far this season.

Mo is a very calm and composed figure at the back, who’s good in the air and rarely puts in a rash tackle. The Frenchman’s versatility is another one of his strengths and he has proved his ability to get forward and help the attack when deployed as a full-back.

His counterpart in Manchester, Joško Gvardiol, is no stranger in Leipzig. The defender spent two seasons at RBL before moving to England over the summer. The Croat has immediately settled in at City, earning himself a regular spot in Guardiola’s side. Due to an injury to Nathan Ake, Gvardiol has mainly been playing as a left-back for his new club.

His strengths lie in pressing the opponent and maintaining possession. Additionally, the defender has helped to increase City’s strength in the air.