The Argentina defender played as a holding midfielder against Celtic and pushed Kelechi Iheanacho close for star man honours, almost assisting two goals for the Nigerian.
It’s a position Guardiola feels Zabaleta may play in more often in years to come.
When asked if the Blues will miss Fernandinho over the next few weeks, Pep said: “Yes he’s a key player for us - he’s a real player and he can play in several positions so of course, we will miss him.
“But I think Pablo Zabaleta can play in the middle – he is very experienced and he can play there as he did very well against Celtic.
“I think in the last years of his career he’ll play more in the middle and it gives us another option.”
Zaba added he will play wherever and whenever he is asked to, saying: “The manager wanted to give minutes to players who hadn’t featured in recent games and we also missed some midfielders so I had to do that job. It went very well, I’m happy. You always have to do what the manager asks.
“I try to be able to play whenever the manager needs me and I have to do the job and I always try to give my best.
“I feel fine, we are a big squad and the manager is making changes in different games and it’s important to be ready at any given moment.”
Leicester v Man City: Where to watch
