Adrian Clarke looks at players returning from injury who could have a big impact once the 2019/20 season resumes.
Aymeric Laporte (MCI)
The gap at the top of the Premier League this season may well have been narrower had Aymeric Laporte been available for more than seven matches.
The classy Frenchman is Pep Guardiola's most reliable defender and gives the team great balance.
When Manchester City are out of possession Laporte is quick to cover his full-back, whether it be Benjamin Mendy or Oleksandr Zinchenko on the left side.
On the ball, his confident distribution helps to speed up Man City's attacks.
Laporte's importance to City
| 2019/20 | With Laporte | Without Laporte |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 7 | 21 |
| Defeats | 0 | 7 |
| Ave. points | 2.7 | 1.8 |
| Ave. goals conceded | 0.4 | 1.3 |
Notably, Man City have been unbeaten with Laporte in the starting XI this season, winning six and drawing the other match.
Only three goals have been conceded when the Frenchman has started in 2019/20.
Guardiola's team just look far more assured when the 26-year-old plays.
Whether he is lining up alongside Nicolas Otamendi, John Stones or Fernandinho, Laporte brings a naturally reassuring presence.
When he was a regular in City's defence in 2018/19, they kept 18 clean sheets in his 35 appearances. Overall, they have only lost four of the centre-back's 51 top-flight matches.
Knock-on effect
Guardiola's tactical options are also far more flexible when the versatile Laporte is available.
And his return from injury could pave the way for Fernandinho to return to his natural position as a central midfielder.
City's centre-backs per 90 mins
| Passes | Interceptions | Ball recoveries | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laporte | 84.2 | Laporte | 2.3 | Laporte | 6.6 |
| Fernandinho | 72.9 | Otamendi | 1.2 | Stones | 5.8 |
| Stones | 72.9 | Fernandinho | 1.0 | Fernandinho | 5.7 |
| Otamendi | 70.5 | Stones | 0.8 | Otamendi | 4.3 |
While all of Man City's centre-backs pass well, Laporte is the one the team look to use most frequently when playing out from the back.
He makes 12 more passes per 90 minutes than Fernandinho, for example.
That effortless ability on the ball, coupled with his calming manner, are just two of the reasons why he has been sorely missed by Man City.
Also in this series
Part 1: Returning stars: Loftus-Cheek to boost Blues' top-four bid
Part 2: Returning stars: Brooks can be Cherries' missing link
Part 3: Returning stars: Tierney can sharpen Arsenal's cutting edge
Part 4: Returning stars: Kane ready to inspire Spurs again
Part 5: Returning stars: McGinn's dynamism gives Villa fresh impetus
Part 7: Returning stars: Rashford aiming to regain red-hot form