People
Aymeric Laporte: The Hidden Gem of Manchester City
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Overview
- Early Years
- Move to English Football
- Playing Style
- Achievements
- Key Takeaway
- Facts About Aymeric Laporte
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Introduction
Aymeric Laporte, often regarded as one of the best center-backs in the world, has played a significant role in Manchester City’s success since joining the club in 2018. Known for his calmness, intelligence, and exceptional defensive abilities, Laporte has firmly established himself as a key figure in Pep Guardiola’s team.
Overview
Aymeric Laporte was born on May 27, 1994, in Agen, France. He started his professional career at Athletic Bilbao, where he spent six seasons and showcased his immense talent. In January 2018, Manchester City broke their transfer record to sign Laporte for £57 million, making him the most expensive defender in Premier League history at that time.
Early Years
Laporte’s journey to becoming a top-tier center-back began in his hometown of Agen. He joined his local club, SU Agen Football, where his exceptional skills and on-field awareness quickly caught the attention of scouts from larger clubs. At the age of 16, he made the move to Athletic Bilbao in Spain, where he continued to develop and hone his abilities.
During his time in Bilbao’s youth setup, Laporte demonstrated his potential to become a future star. He displayed excellent positional sense, technical abilities, and a strong defensive mindset. His outstanding performances earned him an opportunity to train with the first team, and he eventually made his senior debut in the 2012-2013 season.
Move to English Football
After several successful seasons at Athletic Bilbao, Laporte attracted the attention of leading European clubs. In January 2018, Manchester City secured his signature, marking a significant move in his career. The transition from La Liga to the Premier League was seamless for Laporte, as he quickly adapted to the physicality and intensity of English football.
Laporte’s first full season with Manchester City reflected his immense talent and defensive prowess. He formed a formidable partnership with veteran center-back Vincent Kompany and played a vital role in City’s remarkable 100-point Premier League-winning campaign. Laporte’s ability to read the game, solidify the defense, and contribute to the team’s attacking play soon made him a fan favorite.
Playing Style
Aymeric Laporte possesses a wide range of attributes that contribute to his effectiveness as a center-back. His composure on the ball, exceptional passing range, and ability to initiate attacks from the back make him an ideal fit for Pep Guardiola’s possession-based style of play. Laporte’s left-footedness adds an additional dimension to City’s play, allowing for more variety in their build-up and long-range passing.
Defensively, Laporte is a master in positional play. He has an innate ability to anticipate danger, intercept passes, and make crucial tackles. Despite his physical presence, he relies more on his intelligence and reading of the game to win aerial duels and regain possession. Laporte’s calmness under pressure and ability to remain composed during high-pressure situations make him an invaluable asset to any team.
Achievements
Since joining Manchester City, Aymeric Laporte has enjoyed tremendous success. He has played a crucial role in helping the club win numerous domestic titles, including
- Premier League: 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020
- FA Cup: 2018-2019, 2019-2020
- EFL Cup: 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021
- FA Community Shield: 2018
Key Takeaway
Aymeric Laporte’s impact on Manchester City has been immense. His exceptional defensive abilities, calmness on the ball, and intelligence make him an invaluable asset to any team. Laporte’s success in both domestic and international competitions highlights his status as one of the best center-backs in the world.
Facts About Aymeric Laporte
- Born: May 27, 1994
- Birthplace: Agen, France
- Position: Center-back
- Current Club: Manchester City
- Previous Clubs: Athletic Bilbao
- Transfer Fee: £57 million (at the time of his move to Manchester City)
- National Team: French national team
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How tall is Aymeric Laporte?
A: Aymeric Laporte stands at approximately 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm) tall.
Q: Has Aymeric Laporte represented the French national team?
A: Yes, Laporte is eligible to represent both Spain and France, but he opted to play for the French national team.
Q: What is Aymeric Laporte’s playing style?
A: Laporte is renowned for his exceptional defensive abilities, composure on the ball, and intelligent positioning. He is also a superb passer and contributes to his team’s attacking play.
Q: How many titles has Laporte won with Manchester City?
A: Laporte has won the Premier League three times (2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020), the FA Cup twice (2018-2019, 2019-2020), the EFL Cup four times (2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021), and the FA Community Shield once (2018).
Q: What is Aymeric Laporte’s transfer record?
A: Laporte’s move to Manchester City in January 2018 for £57 million made him the most expensive defender in Premier League history at that time.
Q: Who has Laporte partnered with in defense at Manchester City?
A: Laporte formed a strong defensive partnership with Vincent Kompany during his early years at Manchester City. Currently, he partners with fellow center-backs such as John Stones and Ruben Dias.
Q: Has Laporte won any individual accolades?
A: While Laporte hasn’t won any major individual awards yet, his consistently impressive performances have garnered recognition and praise from fans and pundits alike.
Q: Does Laporte have any notable international achievements?
A: Aymeric Laporte won the UEFA Nations League with the French national team in 2021.
