Ex-BVB defender Manuel Akanji made his first Premier League appearance for Manchester City on Saturday against Wolverhampton Wanderers. After the game, Pep Guardiola praised the Swiss over the green clover.
Shortly before the end of the transfer period, Dortmund’s Manuel Akanji moved to Manchester City for 17.5 million euros plus bonuses. The Swiss made his first Premier League appearance in the Skyblues’ 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday. After the game, coach Pep Guardiola praised the 27-year-old in the highest tones.
When asked about Akanji’s performance against Wolves, Guardiola couldn’t stop raving. “More than exceptional. He won all the duels in the early stages. He reads the game perfectly,” explained the Spanish coach. “If he decides to go into the tackle, he goes as far as not to provoke a penalty. He’s so, so clever.”
Guardiola full of praise: Akanji shines at Manchester City
“He’s so close and aggressive on opponents, but then he also has the pace to control the situation,” continued Guardiola. Before Saturday’s game, Akanji had already made two appearances for the Citizens in the Champions League. The central defender was on the pitch for the full 90 minutes in both the 2-1 win over BVB and the 4-0 win in Seville and made an excellent impression.
If Akanji continues as before, he won’t have to hide from the competition in Man City’s defence. The Swiss is fighting for a place in the starting line-up with Ruben Dias, John Stones, Nathan Aké and currently injured Aymeric Laporte.
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This article was originally published on 90min.com/de as.
Source: Stern
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