Manchester Derby: 5 players to watch out for

Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League
Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League

#3. Aymeric Laporte

Manchester City v FC Shakhtar Donetsk - UEFA Champions League Group F
Manchester City v FC Shakhtar Donetsk - UEFA Champions League Group F

Proving himself to be a brick wall in defence, the ex-Athletic Bilbao man will spearhead the Manchester City defence versus United tonight. There is little doubt on the fact that he will have a huge responsibility on his young shoulders as he will be the key to stopping the likes of Martial and Sanchez.

What is truly surprising is that Laporte is only behind Jorginho when it comes to pass completion in the English Premier League. Even world-class midfielders like Paul Pogba and Fernandinho are behind him. This fact makes it easier to understand why Laporte has played every minute for City this season and in Pep Guardiola's good books.

Along with superior defensive abilities, Laporte has a calm head on his shoulders unlike some of the best defenders in the world. He has 1.5 interceptions and 2.9 clearances per game but his composure on the pitch will provide much-needed calmness to City's backline in a high voltage clash like this one.

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Edited by Nishant Jayaram
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