Laporte makes Sergio Ramos his role model

Less than a year after making a £57 million ($73m) move from Athletic Club, Laporte has many tipping him to go on to become one of Europe's top defenders.

The 24-year-old has been one of the standout performers for City this season, establishing himself as one of Pep Guardiola's most trusted members of his squad.

However, the French defender has revealed he wants to be the best defender in Europe and looks set to follow the footsteps of Real Madrid skipper Sergio Ramos.

Laporte credited the darker side of the 32-year-old's game, which has seen him embroiled in a variety of controversies, including his takedown of Mohamed Salah in last year's Champions League final that left the Liverpool star with a dislocated shoulder.

“Sergio Ramos is probably the best centre-back in the world at the moment as we know we have to match his standards or better him if we are to be as good as he is," Laporte said.

“Do I want to be the best defender in Europe? Of course. To get to the top, you must have an edge to your game, like Ramos does," Laporte said.

The France under-21 international has now set his sights on becoming the best on the continent and admits having played in the Laliga and the Premier League has helped him gain lots of experience.

“They are similar but EPL is more physical, I am really enjoying that aspect of it,” the defender told City’s official programme. “I’ve enjoyed it from day one and I feel very much at home here.

“Every training session you take part in, you have to work very hard and train hard because there is no other way to get where you want to be - it’s not a secret and not a magic formula - just hard work and application.”

Laporte and City return to action on Saturday as they look to retain their lead at the top of the table with victory over West Ham at the London Stadium.