Benjamin Mendy who?
The left-back spot at Man City continues to be a bit of a problem area.
Pep Guardiola has experimented with the position during his time at the Etihad, often turning to Fabian Delph or Oleksandr Zinchenko to do a job.
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Hoffenheim were the Guinea Pig for Guardiola’s latest tactical tweak.
Aymeric Laporte started their Champions League clash at left-back, a position he played just once last season.
His performance however made you think he’s played there his whole career.
The Frenchman failed to disappoint and was one of City’s standout performers in the 2-1 victory over the Bundesliga side.
The towering centre-back has been an ever-present in Guardiola’s side this season, knocking John Stones out of the first-team.
Laporte’s showing at left-back would have strengthened his case to remain in the starting eleven, with his versatility an added bonus for Guardiola.
In the absence of Mendy, City fans might have been worrying about a lack of cover at left-back.
The marauding wing-back is struggling with injuries as well as ill-discipline off the pitch.
Delph has also failed to impress when deployed at full-back this season and Zinchenko seems to have also fallen out of favour.
Laporte could well be the saviour.
The versatility of the former Atletico Bilbao man was undoubtedly a factor in his £57million move to the Etihad in January.
Laporte’s performance emphasises the outrageous talent and depth of City’s squad.
No Mendy, no worries.
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