Bacary Sagna tips Eliaquim Mangala for greatness

Bacary Sagna has backed Manchester City teammate Eliaquim Mangala to become one of the world's finest defenders and vows to help his "twin brother" reach that level.

The 23-year-old sealed a £32m move to Eastlands from Porto in the summer but came in for criticism over his performance in last month's 4-2 win away to Hull City.

Sagna admits that Mangala is a little rough around the edges but claims that his fellow Frenchman has the potential to reach an elite status in the game.

"He has everything he needs to be a top player and I'm sure he will be. To me he will be one of the best defenders in the world, but he's still young and there's a lot of room to improve," the right-back told ESPN.

"I'm everything to him. He's like my twin brother, my son. I see him more than I see my family, so our relationship is really important.

"It's my responsibility to help him. I remember when I came here I didn't speak proper English. But he's a lovely guy and he's settled in well."

Mangala has made four appearances for the Citizens so far this season.