Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini hailed the debut of Eliaquim Mangala for their 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
The French defender made his debut in the 1-1 draw and looked impressive, his pace and power in evidence against visiting danger man Diego Costa.
Pellegrini said of his £32m man: "It was easy for me to put him in. He has been working with our team for a month and ten days and we have prepared him well.
"I didn't want him in the starting eleven until he was absolutely sure about the way we play.
"He is a very young and very important defender, but he has a lot of experience - it is not the first time he has played in a professional division, and won titles with Porto. He has also played in the Champions League and is in the French national squad."
Pellegrini added: "He does not have too much work but every time he has a challenge, he won. That is so important for us because we play with a lot of space behind our defenders."
