France call-up a matter of time for world-class Laporte, says Guardiola

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola believes it is only a matter of time before Aymeric Laporte is selected to play for France.

The 24-year-old has represented France at youth level up to the Under-21 level but is yet to be selected for the senior side.

However his manager at club level, Guardiola, believes that it will only be a matter of time before the left sided central defender gets the call.

Manchester City signed Laporte in January for a fee of £57m, according to BBC Sport, from Spanish side Athletic Bilbao following a string of impressive performances.

Since joining City he has been a regular, making 25 appearances across all competitions, and his manager is sure he will be picked to represent his country before too long.

“Sooner or later Aymeric Laporte will be selected for France because it is difficult to find a better left central defender than him in the world,” Guardiola told club reporters.

Club before country?

Although the Spanish coach is sure his defender will play for France, he also suggested that it is a benefit to City if he doesn’t always make the national side.

“But of course it is good for the team for some of our players that are not selected for their countries to get rest,” he added.

Manchester City won the Premier League last season amassing 100 points in the process and they have flown out of the blocks this term as well.

After nine games Manchester City sit top of the table with seven wins and two draws. They are yet to taste defeat in the top flight this season and have already found the net 26 times, an average of 2.88 goals per game – more than any other side in the division.

Laporte has formed a solid defensive unit with Vincent Kompany and John Stones and will be hoping to continue his good form.

City face Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League this evening before a trip to Tottenham next Monday in the Premier League.

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