New boy Laporte wants to be more than a defender
CITY debutant Aymeric Laporte insists he is more than your standard central defender.
The Blues’ new signing wants to be known for his skills on the ball – and he set about showing why on his Premier League debut against West Brom on Wednesday night.
The 23-year-old Frenchman played a starring role in Pep Guardiola’s backline as the Blues extended their lead at the top of the table to 15 points.
Laporte joined City on Tuesday after completing a £57m transfer from Athletic Bilbao.
Standing at 6ft 3ins, he cut a striking figure in Pep Guardiola’s backline – dominating not just aerially, but also in possession.
“I am the kind of player that wants to keep the ball rather than defend,” he said.
“Obviously, I need to adapt to the team and what the team needs.
“I felt really good and everyone, the people and the fans have welcomed me which is important for someone who has just arrived.”
The France Under-21 international wowed fans throughout the match displaying his composure and impressive range of passing.
Laporte showed no debut jitters when he sprayed a pinpoint 50-yard pass into the feet of Bernardo Silva just minutes into the first half.
The 2014 La Liga Team of the Year defender finished the game with remarkable statistics completing 76 passes and recording a passing accuracy of 94.7 per cent.
His performance led to boss Pep Guardiola embracing the new signing on the pitch after the full-time whistle.
Laporte admitted after the fixture that he found the physicality of the match surprising.
Kevin de Bruyne and youngster Brahim Diaz both found themselves on the rough end of challenges which left Pep Guardiola fuming at referee Bobby Madley.
The City new boy explained he will have to adapt to get used to the physicality of the division.
“[The Premier League] is different from La Liga because for example you don’t know what a foul is and what is not,” explained Laporte.
“But little by little I am going to get the hang of it.
“It is just a matter of playing more games, getting more experience and getting used to it.”
Laporte could again feature this weekend when City head to Turf Moor to take on seventh-placed Burnley.