Manchester City target Milan Skriniar has received glowing endorsements

According to The Athletic's David Ornstein, Manchester City are on the lookout for someone who could solve their defensive woes.

Given how far Pep Guardiola's side have been cut adrift in the race for the 2019/10 Premier League title, it's safe to say there are issues in the backline that need addressing.

One of the targets The Athletic mention is Inter Milan's Milan Skriniar.

But who exactly is this defender and would he even fit the well-oiled machine that is Man City?

To answer those questions, we sought the opinions of those who know him best...

Miranda, former Inter Milan defender

Miranda used to play side by side with Skriniar prior to his move away from the Italian club.

But while they were still both donning the black and blue kit, the Brazilian defender was full of praise for his partner in crime, stating that it was easy to play with him before tipping him to become one of the best centre-backs in the world.

Here's what he said for Inter's official website, as quoted by Gianluca Di Marzio:

"Skriniar is a great player, he’s doing well: it was easy for me to get used to playing with him and he can become amongst the five best defenders in the world."

Pavel Hapal, Skriniar's U21 coach

Hapal used to be Slovakia's U21 coach back in 2015 and he is currently managing the senior team.

But back in the day, he could already see that Skriniar's qualities extended beyond his natural footballing talent - he praised his work-rate and mentality, stating that all players should work like him.

Here's what he said for Sportinak.sk:

"All players should act like Milan. It is not enough if someone has only talent.

"Milan has it in his head, he knows what he wants to do in football. Therefore, he is currently doing well.

"Football is not just about talent. I have seen a lot of talented players, but unless there is a superstructure of diligence, humility and everything that goes with it, the player rarely succeeds."

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Roberto Baggio, former Inter Milan forward

Baggio is one of the most well-known names in Inter's history and his opinion is something that should be valued.

But he was asked a rather difficult question by Profutbol.sk as they pondered whether Skriniar could be compared to the legendary defenders Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta.

Baggio praised the Slovak's technical ability, which could be vital if he is to join Man City.

The Italian legend said we can expect great things from him, although he wasn't sure how to compare him to the aforementioned legends, as quoted by Profutbol.sk (via SempreInter):

"Is he more like Paolo Maldini or Alessandro Nesta? It was difficult to deal with both of them and it has to be remembered that they played in another era. Skriniar is technically well structured, and next season he will gain the international experience he needs when playing in the Champions League and I am sure he will show us great things."