How the Nicolas Otamendi signing leaves the rest of Manchester City's centre-backs

In the build-up to this campaign, many pundits wrote off manager Manuel Pellegrini's title chances due to Manchester City's supposed defensive problems.

Vincent Kompany was error-prone last term, Eliaquim Mangala looked naive and nervy from his £42-million fee, Martin Demichelis is almost 35 years old, and just who is this Jason Denayer kid?

Fast forward to last Sunday, Kompany and Mangala are praised after a comprehensive victory over Chelsea made it two wins in two games for City, and more importantly for the duo: two clean sheets.

Then City signed Nicolas Otamendi from Valencia.

Related: Nicolas Otamendi signs on with Manchester City from Valencia

Otamendi is a player who would slot into any defense in the Premier League. A player at the peak of his powers, who earned a place in La Liga's team of the season, and whose 25 international caps have seen him represent Argentina at a World Cup and Copa America - and many believe he's not needed.

An alarming statistic made the rounds on social media shortly after Otamendi signed: City had spent over £142-million on centre-backs since captain Kompany signed for £6-million in 2008.

This spending has seen popular youth team products - such as Micah Richards, Nedum Onuoha, Kieran Trippier, Karim Rekik, and Dedryck Boyata - leave in search of regular game time.

Other players, like Jerome Boateng, who won ten domestic honours and a World Cup, struggled to compete for a place in the City lineup.

Could the arrival of Otamendi spell the beginning of the end for one of the club's other four centre-backs?

Vincent Kompany

"Vinnie," as he is affectionately known by many in sky blue, is already a club legend. He lifted the club's first title in 44 years and, last season aside, has been a rock at the back. His place in the starting lineup should not be under threat.

Eliaquim Mangala

The Frenchman has been a commanding presence so far this campaign, especially in the win over Chelsea when he kept a perpetually perturbed Diego Costa quiet. Well, except vocally.

It is unlikely Pellegrini would be cruel enough to oust Mangala from the starting XI immediately, but any mistakes - any mistakes - and Otamendi will be knocking.

Martin Demichelis

Playing time should be extremely limited for Otamendi's compatriot. Despite using his great positional sense to get him out of jams in the past, there is only so long a defender can last in the Premier League without having a significant turn of pace.

Mangala's early season form made it look like Demichelis' appearances would be limited to the odd league game. Now with Otamendi immediately slotting above him in the pecking order, Demichelis can look forward to sporadic, non-glamorous League Cup ties and acquiring his coaching badges.

It's a potentially sorry end for someone who managed to adhere himself to fans after an inauspicious start.

Jason Denayer

The lesser known of City's centre-half quintet is one of the club's greatest prospects.

Denayer spent last year on loan with Celtic and his mature performances at the back belied his 20 years. He picked up a Premiership title with the Bhoys, but as a greater adage to the Belgian's potential, he also won the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award.

It would be disgraceful if another expensive defensive purchase by City hampered the career of another young talent. Another stint out on loan is now likely for Denayer, but it is vital he goes to a more competitive league than the Scottish top flight.