Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said that his side's unbeaten run in the Premier League could not have been achieved without the contributions of defender Nicolas Otamendi.
The Argentine, who has been filling in for the injured John Stones, has featured in his side's back four throughout City's run in the top flight.
City won their 18th straight league game with a 1-0 win over Newcastle United on Monday night to move 15 points clear at the summit.
"Without Nico it would not have been possible what we have done," the Spaniard told reporters.
"Everybody has spoken about a lot of players like Raheem [Sterling], Kevin [de Bruyne], Sergio [Aguero], they deserve it, but if I can point some attention to a player who deserves the respect is Nico.
"He has been amazing - he is one of the hugest competitors I have ever seen in my life. I cannot imagine the situation we are in at the moment in terms of the table without him. It would have been impossible."
City will look to extend their unbeaten league run to 19 games with victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Jonny Whitfield
