Marc Guehi embraces Man City midfield switch ahead of Palace reunion

The England international, normally a centre-back, was pushed into a holding midfield position as City secured a 2-1 victory over the Cherries. Guehi impressed in the new role and was named man of the match.

Manager Enzo Maresca was pleased with his performance and has indicated that Guehi could continue in midfield when City travel to Crystal Palace on Friday.

Guehi credited both Maresca and his team-mates for helping him settle into the position.

"I felt good and comfortable," Guehi said. "There was a lot of work on the training pitch with the manager in the week before.

"I'm fortunate enough to have so many good team-mates around me and they helped me before and during the game to feel at ease to step into that position. It was really enjoyable."

City have strengthened their midfield options with the arrival of Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi, while Rayan Cherki made an immediate impact from the bench against Bournemouth with two assists, including the corner that led to Guéhi's equaliser.

Elliot Anderson also joined during the summer, giving Maresca several options in the middle of the pitch.

Guehi was full of praise for his new team-mates, particularly Cherki.

"Rayan is a fantastic player with such a fantastic future ahead of him," he said. "He's definitely made a difference coming on - and usually does in any game he plays.

"He's a player we love and just want to carry on doing well. He's always smiling - he's just a good guy to have around."

Guehi also believes Anderson has settled quickly at City.

"Elliot looks like he's settled in very well. It's still early days but so far, he looks very comfortable and like himself - I think we'll only see more and more and the best of Elliot."

On Bouaddi, he added: "He's a very exciting young player with loads of potential and a great future ahead of him. I know everyone here will take good care of him, and everyone is excited to see him play."

Friday's trip to Selhurst Park will carry extra significance for Guehi, who spent several years at Crystal Palace before moving to City in January.

The defender is looking forward to returning to the club where he developed into an established Premier League player.

"I'm really excited to go back. A really emotional one for me - a club I spent so long at," he said.

"It's a place where I developed and where the people helped me to get to where I am today. I'm extremely grateful to them. I'm looking forward to it."

City face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Friday - tonight.