After a chastening experience at Anfield more than a week ago, Manchester City returned to winning ways against Newcastle United who arguably couldn’t have made it any easier for the Sky Blues. Rafael Benitez’s side hardly ever troubled City’s defence — on and off the ball – as Pep Guardiola’s side were only tasked with breaking Newcastle’s defence down which they did thrice.
Newcastle’s approach was questioned by many as the City team still isn’t as defensively sound as the table suggests. Though they have a goal difference of 52, United and Chelsea’s defence have been more solid, which says something. Despite spending quite a lot, City still need a centre-back.
In a bid to do that, they have been linked with a move for Athletic Bilbao centre-half Aymeric Laporte according to the BBC. The report states that City will pay a record £57m for the 23-year old, eclipsing the £55m fee they had paid for Kevin De Bruyne a few seasons ago. If the transfer goes through, City’s back line – Benjamin Mendy, John Stones, Aymeric Laporte and Kyle Walker — will cost close to £200m.
Aymeric Laporte – fact file
After breaking into the first team in 2012, Laporte has been a key player at the back despite his tender age. The Frenchman is on course to achieve great things despite an ankle fracture that nearly derailed his career in March 2016.
This season, the Frenchman has been in good form this season and the stats back that. With an incredible 4.9 clearances per game, the Laporte has played a key role in Bilbao’s defence. The Basque side have lost six games, but had it not been for Laporte’s consistent performances, it could have been much worse.
The 23-year old also averages 2 tackles every game, which is shows he can put in a challenge or two meaning the lad can defend. But the most key aspect is his passing stats.
A long-term centre-back partner for John Stones?
City’s problem has been the absence of a defender who can complement Stones. Guardiola likes ball-playing defenders. Not just the ones who can pass without pressure. Laporte’s passing accuracy stands at 83.7%; not the best. However, he has played an average of 7.4 long balls per game, which indicates why exactly that accuracy isn’t the best. At City, expect the long ball count to reduce.
He is more composed than the likes of Eliaquim Mangala and arguably even Nicolas Otamendi, so perhaps he is the answer to City’s question of long-term stability at the back.
Stats via Whoscored.com