BBC pundit Martin Keown has drooled over the impact of Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte, claiming that the France international has been ‘the difference’ for the club this season.
The 24-year-old was a £57million signing from Athletic Bilbao in January, and after a slow start has now established himself as a regular for Pep Guardiola, playing every minute of their Premier League campaign so far.
Keown has now highlighted Laporte’s impact after being asked about City’s newfound defensive solidity this season, pinpointing the Frenchman as the reason behind that.
In his ‘Tackle Keown’ column for the Daily Mail, he said: “The difference has been Aymeric Laporte. When they signed him for £57million plenty of people balked at the fee but, as a left-footed player, he gives them so much balance.
“He is towering in the air, passes the ball well and has pace. He will be an excellent long-term replacement for Vincent Kompany. Laporte’s form has been excellent, John Stones is continuing to develop and it means that right now, Nicolas Otamendi is the man sitting out.
“He does not deserve to be on the sidelines after a brilliant season but that is what happens when you have a squad with so much depth.”
OPINION
It is good to see Laporte finally get some recognition from a pundit about the difference that he has made to this Manchester City defence this season. In ten games of the Premier League season so far, Guardiola’s side have conceded just three goals in that time. That is an insane record for any team, despite the riches ploughed into the squad at the Etihad. As pointed out by Keown, Laporte brings real balance to the City back four as a left-footer. An illustration of the effect that footedness can have on a defence can be seen at Tottenham at the moment, with Jan Vertonghen injured and Spurs struggling to maintain their defensive solidity with Toby Alderweireld playing on the left instead. It is unfortunate that Nicolas Otamendi is being forced to sit out, but the fact is that City’s defence looks the best it has in a long time with Laporte playing.