Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is delighted with the form this season of Aymeric Laporte.

Guardiola says Laporte has deserved his improved playing time this term.

"He started really well when John was injured," said Guardiola. "Last season John and Ruben were exceptional so we were thinking about the rhythm that they had together but last season when we needed Ayme he played really, really well.

"This season he has had more minutes. Having a left-footer on the left side is so important. But still hopefully he can be open to have the feeling that he can do better.

"There are actions he can do better — we spoke a lot about that — because he is the perfect age to improve because he has everything, especially because he is a player like Riyad that has personality on the biggest stages. He is fast, strong in the air, and has the personality to play to help us in the build-up.

"He deserves his minutes. Nathan [Ake] is coming back but Ruben will be a long time so he is still weeks away from coming back. We need Ayme fresh and in the best condition possible."