BBC pundit Garth Crooks has named Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte in his “team of the week” following his performance against Southampton at the weekend.
The Spanish international scored an important equaliser at St Mary’s and Crooks said he has been impressed with the centre-back’s composure:
“I tend to prefer defenders who are consistent, steady and generally reliable. Aymeric Laporte falls into that category and is capable of scoring the occasional goal when his team is in trouble.”
Laporte’s excellent form this season does deserve a lot more recognition. Along with Ruben Dias, the 27-year-old has been part of a defence that has conceded just 14 goals in 23 matches, which is by far the best record in the league.
Crooks didn’t select any other City stars in his eleven. Two Chelsea players, Thiago Silva and Hakim Ziyech, were included, along with Liverpool pair Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk.
Manchester United duo Bruno Fernandes & Marcus Rashford, along with Southampton right-back Kyle Walker-Peters, Newcastle United’s Jonjo Shelvey, Wolves midfielder Joao Moutinho and Norwich City striker Josh Sargent made up the rest of the team.