Manchester City fans have taken to Twitter to give their reaction to the news that Aymeric Laporte is set to line up against Arsenal after impressing on his first start of the season.
In recent weeks, there has been growing speculation Laporte may find a way out of the Etihad Stadium this summer, with a host of clubs reportedly interested in the Manchester City star.
The 27-year-old moved to the Etihad Stadium from Athletic Bilbao in January 2018 when City activated his £57m release clause, and has been a key player for the defending premier league champions in the last few years.
Laporte, for the first time in his career, found himself out in the cold cutting a frustrated and desolate figure as John Stones and Ruben Dias continued to be Pep Guardiola’s go-to centre-back pairing.
John Stones rediscovered his best form last season and partnered new boy Ruben Dias as the Blues enjoyed a successful campaign. Having recently signed a new long-term deal, it’s likely that Laporte is now more concerned about his future at the club.
When manager Pep Guardiola spoke about some players being unhappy and wanting to leave, Laporte was one of the four.
However, with John Stones not fit for the home game with Norwich, Guardiola turned to Laporte alongside Dias and marvelled at what he saw at the back in the 5-0 win.
The Spanish defender received high praise from his boss after a fine display on Saturday. His performance against Norwich is a timely reminder of his quality and importance.
Having already praised Laporte’s build-up as the best in the world for his position, the manager used a question about Raheem Sterling in his post-match interview to highlight how anyone who plays as the centre-back did in a game guarantees their selection going forward.
“It’s just to be honest what I see on the pitch, in the training sessions, in the performance,” Guardiola said about his decision process.
“I try to rotate the team but at the same time I try to decide…for example now Aymeric Laporte, the game he played today, he’s going to play the next game.
“The guys who played good today are going to play the next game. It is what it is.”
Here’s what some Man City fans had to say about these Guardiola’s comments on Laporte on Twitter.
The way it should always be ..
— Mark (@markNbrogs) August 23, 2021
That’s exactly how it should be, play like Mendy and you don’t play.
— Mr Banks (@MrBanksMCFC) August 23, 2021
YESS!
— Gabar (@gabartheman) August 23, 2021
Wouldn’t be right dropping someone when they play that good
he deserves it so much 🙂
— Sophie🤍 (@mcfc_soph) August 23, 2021
100% agree. That mentality creates high performing teams. Up to stones and Ake to raise to the challenge in training and also take there chance. Laporte got dropped last year after the Spurs game because he was poor and followed Kane into the hole. Something pep warned him about
— PJ (@PicklesPhilip) August 23, 2021
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