The return of Aymeric Laporte has surely bolstered the defence of Manchester City along with their confidence. The Premier League Champions would have asked for a faster recovery but nonetheless Aymeric’s Laporte has come in at a decent time.
The Frenchman had damaged his cartilage and lateral meniscus in a 4-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion and had been out since. He, however, is back and will be inaction against Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.
The return of Aymeric Laporte gives Pep Guardiola to play with his natural players at their used to positions and also deploy everyone where they can play best. As a team, Aymeric’s present enhances their defensive areas and makes them a complete squad.
Why do I say that? The stats are enough to show that Laporte has been the wall of Manchester City. Last season City managed 20 clean sheets as compared to only 8 this season. Why? The injury of Aymeric Laporte.
The Frenchman has returned which only means the problems for oppositions will increase. Now, City are a defense stronger than they potentially were this season and to get past them will be one hell of a task.
The centre-back has been a world class defender for Pep Guardiola. He is omnipresent and tackles every ball that comes his way. A strong bird on the air, he is also a beast when it comes to blocking crosses.
Laporte’s ability to play the ball from back will also come in handy. The defensive king only conceded 23 goals in the 35 games that he has played at Premier League and will look on to carry the tally of no-goals ahead.
The return of Laporte is as important as it could be, at least for the pride of City. The Champions are far away from winning the treble but would want to ensure coming 2nd. Having said that, Aymeric’s presence in front of the goal will be of utmost importance to keep opposition’s strikers as well as points at bay.
