Eliaquim Mangala is playing regularly in Manchester City's defence in the absence of injured Vincent Kompany and he is using this opportunity to learn from experienced partner Martin Demichelis.

Mangala will make his 21st start of the Premier League season when City head to Tottenham on Sunday and the Frenchman is again looking forward to gracing the pitch alongside Argentina international Demichelis.

"It's true that I had a bit of start-stop season," Mangala told the club's official website.

"Now I have the chance to play more because Vincent is injured and it is important I use the opportunity well and gain more experience.

"We have four important games still to play and we need to ensure we qualify for the Champions League and finish positively.

"Everything is going well with Martin. He is a very experienced player and I have a lot of things that I can learn from him.

"We communicate on the pitch in Spanish together easier but we also sometimes we speak in English as well."