Pep Guardiola says that John Stones has convinced him that he can play at right-back as well as centre-back.
The Manchester City manager threw a curveball for the Brentford match by starting Stones ahead of Kyle Walker to the right of Ruben Dias in defence, a position he had also filled in December against Leeds.
Brentford frustrated the Blues in the opening half-hour at the Etihad, defending resolutely, but Raheem Sterling earned a penalty just before half-time that Riyad Mahrez converted to make the evening more comfortable for the champions.
Guardiola was happy that his side were patient to wait for mistakes from their opponents, and pinpointed Stones for his ability in wrecking Brentford's gameplan and helping City up their rhythm as the first half progressed.
"He played against Leeds in that position and was brilliant and today he was more than brilliant - the most important player we had in that to understand what happens," he said.
"Joao [Cancelo] was important too but John played really well against Leeds for the back four with the build-up and today the build-up was more three and he was perfect. He can play in both positions, he convinces me he knows it. He was really really good.
"Thanks to John Stones who read perfectly the movement we should do to break the lines, and a good action from Raheem [Sterling] for the penalty. The second half was much better. A really important victory, we knew today would be a tough, tough game"
