Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has heaped praise on new signing Nicolas Otamendi, describing him as the best defender in Spain last season.

Otamendi joined City from La Liga outfit Valencia for £32million on Thursday and Pellegrini couldn't be happier with the new acquisition to his squad.

"Nicolas was arguably the best defender in La Liga last season," Pellegrini said.

"He is an established international for one of the best nations in world football and I have no doubt he has the right mentality to fit into a squad where he will find many familiar faces."