Manchester City hero Pablo Zabaleta believes the club made a big statement by signing Kalvin Phillips.

The England midfielder joined City from Leeds United this summer in a deal worth £45m.

Speaking from City's tour of America, Zabaleta said: "Kalvin Phillips was playing number six at Leeds, sometimes it's different when you play with two in midfield but as a one in front of the back four it's a very similar role to what Rodri's been doing (at City).

"If you want to challenge for all the trophies, you need a big squad, two big players in each position to give the manager a chance to rotate and have more options.

"He's a great signing, an English lad, he knows the league well and for him to come to Manchester City is a big move."