Manchester City’s summer signing is making waves and is already being hailed by some as one of the best deals in football. While all the spotlight is on star striker Erling Haaland, manager Pep Guardiola believes City have also struck gold with his other summer deal from Borussia Dortmund – Manuel Akanji.
The Swiss international has settled in quickly since his deadline day transfer to the Etihad Stadium, first integrating seamlessly into central defence. He then showed his versatility with an accomplished performance replacing injured right-back Kyle Walker in Saturday’s 4-0 Premier League win over Southampton.
“The club made an incredible decision with him,” Guardiola said.
“There are players that you have to explain 10 times what you think, what you want him to do. This guy, we did it in one training session. Just tell him, and he ‘will have.
“The movement you have to do as a full-back, the high pressing, it was a bit scary because he hadn’t proven he could do it before.
“But he did it perfectly. Defending the crosses he didn’t miss once, absolutely perfect, and with the ball he’s a magnificent player.
“It proves once again that smart people always pay. Manu has had a huge impact since his arrival. It’s a gift for a manager, a gift. We were lucky to have him. »
A testament to Akanji’s performance so far is the fact that he has yet to be dribbled past this season as a City player.
The mood was understandably relaxed in Monday’s training as Manchester City prepared for Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Copenhagen.
Guardiola’s side will have fond memories of their last game with City winning 5-0, thanks in part to a Haaland brace.
However, City are again set to be without defender John Stones. He suffered a hamstring injury on duty in England last month and, while the problem is not considered too serious, the centre-back is yet to return to training.
Right-back Kyle Walker (abdominal) and midfielder Kalvin Phillips (shoulder) also remain on the sidelines.
Updated: October 11, 2022, 02:33