#14 | Aymeric Laporte - 2021/22 Performances

[WallyA]

The problem is the CB pairings, if you’re playing to their strengths, are:

Stones/Dias RCB
Laporte/Ake LCB

If you play Stones and Dias, you move Dias to LCB.

If you play Laporte, you can pick and choose between Stones & Dias, which is what has happened the last few games.

I expect Stones & Ake to be playing in the Cup next week!

I don't get it, where's the problem, you just stated that it's flexible with many pairings.

 

[Dax777]

Many City fans don't seem to like him. Is it because he intended to leave last summer or because Stones is much more of a fan favourite?

In any case, Laporte has been very good this season and doesn't deserve OTT criticisms. We are lucky to have him, especially when Stones has injury problems.

Like him just fine. But yes, I think Stones is a better footballer.

In in a minority here, but I see Stones as the #1 CB and Laporte and Dias should fight for the other spot

 

[ChicagoBlue]

I don't get it, where's the problem, you just stated that it's flexible with many pairings.

I was discussing the problem with Stones not getting a run in the team is because of “preferred pairings” and the desire to have a player on each side of the back four with the “correct” strong foot.

It allows the defender to show the player outside onto the defenders stronger foot, but primarily it allows the defender to accept the cross field pass (across the back line) with his stronger, most technically proficient foot, which is vital in keeping the ball moving and not allowing the opposition a pressing opportunity.

Im not saying that we don’t have two ready made CB pairings, and the ability to mix and match. What AM saying is that playing Stones is suboptimal for Dias (apparently one of the worlds best 3 defenders!), as he has to shift positions to accommodate him.

That’s all.

 

[Stelea]

Great block 2nd half to stop us going 2-0 down

 

[alexmcity]

Like him just fine. But yes, I think Stones is a better footballer.

In in a minority here, but I see Stones as the #1 CB and Laporte and Dias should fight for the other spot

Stones should first stay fit for at least 3 months before having a chance of establishing himself as our best CB. You can't be the best when your fitness record is a bit questionable. Dias is always available. Laporte suffered a very bad injury in 2019, and his fitness record has been better than Stones' since 2020.

 

[schfc6]

Like him just fine. But yes, I think Stones is a better footballer.

In in a minority here, but I see Stones as the #1 CB and Laporte and Dias should fight for the other spot

I agree, Stones is like a mix of Laporte & Dias. All three have their individual strengths. But I think Stones is the most complete.

Stones & Dias are the number one pairing for me, but I’m honestly not that bothered which 2 of the 3 play.

 

[Dax777]

Stones should first stay fit for at least 3 months before having a chance of establishing himself as our best CB. You can't be the best when your fitness record is a bit questionable. Dias is always available. Laporte suffered a very bad injury in 2019, and his fitness record has been better than Stones' since 2020.

That's a fair point.

 

[kaz7]

Training cone

Erm..

 

[kippaxchris]

Erm..

Erm.. ?

 

[kaz7]

Erm.. ?

Posting at half time is never a good look , he won us a point