Nicolas Otamendi Becoming a Key Player for Manchester City

It hasn’t been easy for Manchester City’s Nicolas Otamendi to transfer his La Liga form to the Premier League since his switch from Valencia in the summer.

The pace of the league initially appeared to take him by surprise, however, there have been clear signs in the Blues’ last two matches that he is beginning to assert himself and look more comfortable.

The Argentine defender, who cost £32 million when he moved from the Mestalla, was City’s best player by some distance last weekend in the 0-0 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford, and on Saturday, as City beat Norwich 2-1 in dramatic circumstances at the Etihad, he was once again the man of the match.

It’s been rare since City’s takeover in 2008 that they have had two centre-halves playing consistently well together, but alongside Vincent Kompany, who is fully fit again after his recent calf trouble, City have a partnership that is blossoming nicely.

Otamendi, an aggressive defender, is really beginning to show his quality. He is comfortable in possession—a prerequisite in Manuel Pellegrini’s plans—and possesses enough physical strength to dominate opposition strikers.

LINDSEY PARNABY/Getty Images

Like Kompany, Otamendi looks to play on the front foot and make challenges early, rather than drop deep and allow forwards to turn.

It’s a risky style, but when it works, it’s impressive. Against United and Norwich, he’s shown that proactive defending, at its best, is incredibly effective.

He scored City’s opener on 67 minutes—a powerful header from the edge of the area after Kevin De Bruyne had delivered a superb corner from the right. Otamendi was La Liga’s top scoring defender last season, and after threatening to open his City account in recent weeks, he did so against Norwich in emphatic style.

"

Happy for the goal but happier by the victory of the team that is leaving us at the top of the table let's go #mcfc pic.twitter.com/diXIP7Roir

— Nicolas Otamendi (@Notamendi30) October 31, 2015"

It had been a lethargic but largely comfortable afternoon for City, until the final few minutes of the match that were frantic and chaotic.

Norwich equalised with seven minutes of normal time remaining after a quite extraordinary error from Joe Hart, who dropped a straightforward ball into the box from Robbie Brady at the feet of Cameron Jerome. He couldn’t miss, and with Arsenal cruising away at Swansea City, it looked as though Pellegrini’s side would lose top spot in the table.

But Jesus Navas’ cross minutes later caused problems for John Ruddy in the Norwich goal. The ball eventually fell to Raheem Sterling, whose goal-bound shot was handled by Russell Martin. A penalty and red card was awarded, and Yaya Toure dispatched the spot-kick with the minimum of fuss.

Sterling won another penalty for City in stoppage time, which Aleksandar Kolarov demanded to take, much to the young England forward's displeasure. The Serbian put the ball wide and looked red-faced, but Pellegrini will probably feel the three points were more important. 

It was a breathless finale, and City will feel somewhat fortunate to have come away with three points and their status as league leaders still intact.

"

How many of you felt like this at full time? #cityvnorwich #mcfc pic.twitter.com/NWHzM3xbSU

— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) October 31, 2015"

"

.@fernandinho hails the teams' strong mentality in his post-match interview. In full: https://t.co/ePPee0i0D8 #mcfc pic.twitter.com/msqjJJKwGU

— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) October 31, 2015"

After his wonderful performance in the League Cup on Wednesday, Kelechi Iheanacho was once again handed a start.

The 19-year-old was lively again and looked completely unfazed by involvement at senior level. Surely now he is seen as an important first-team player.

This is a young player possessing absolutely everything needed to succeed—pace, skill, vision, a superb first touch and the confidence to try things other young players would baulk at.

"

Pellegrini praises #mcfc's "character and personality". Manager's #cityvnorwich reaction: https://t.co/hSF5BV92OT pic.twitter.com/iIQ6BP3gqR

— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) October 31, 2015"

But it is perhaps his centre-back pairing that will most please Pellegrini. He knows he has more firepower than any other side in the league. It's defensively there have been question marks. 

Otamendi is hitting form, and with Kompany fit and back to his best this season, it provides a solid platform for City's more creative players. 

Another three points secured without a number of first-team regulars available—perhaps City deserve more credit for the way they have handled their significant list of injuries so far this season. 

"

Fantastic spirit in the camp! We are now all focused on Sevilla!!! #ComeOnCity pic.twitter.com/d8dgg8YQek

— Yaya Touré (@YayaToure) October 31, 2015"

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2015/16 season. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @RobPollard_.