Kalvin Phillips hailed Manuel Akanji after Manchester City earned a 2-0 win against Newcastle United in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
The City colossus started in the centre of defence alongside Ruben Dias, with Kyle Walker and Josko Gvardiol starting as the full-backs on either side.
Despite usually playing as a right-sided centre-half, Akanji was played on the left side by Guardiola on Saturday.
The ever-consistent Swiss international was one of the Sky Blues’ standout performers against Newcastle in the much-awaited FA Cup encounter.
Kalvin Phillips praises Manuel Akanji after Manchester City defeat Newcastle
For starters, defensively, the £15 million (Sky Sports) man was solid as a rock, as he dealt with Alexander Isak’s threat with aplomb, bossing him in duels and keeping pace with the pacey striker.
The former Borussia Dortmund centre-back’s positioning and physicality were faultless, as every time he was called into action, he did not put a foot wrong.
On the ball as well, Akanji was impressive, almost setting Doku up by threading through an incisive through-ball with his left foot. However, the Belgian’s attempt on goal was saved by Martin Dubravka.
After Manchester City entered the last four of the FA Cup by defeating Newcastle, Kalvin Phillips praised Manuel Akanji by commenting on his post-match Instagram post.
“Beast”, the City loanee commented.
Classy gesture from Kalvin Phillips
Despite not having the best of times at Manchester City as he is currently on loan at West Ham United, Kalvin Phillips seems to be keeping an eye out on their games and continues to show support to his teammates, such as Manuel Akanji after his flawless performance against Newcastle.
While things may not have worked out for Phillips on the pitch, he likely would have created strong bonds with players like Akanji at the Etihad Stadium.
It is lovely to see the Englishman go out of his way to give the versatile defender the credit he deserves.
