Last night on Monday Night Football, Jamie Carragher put in a word for Manchester City star Manuel Akanji and admitted he thought the star would me a mere squad player at the Etihad Stadium.
The focus of the programme was Newcastle United vs Leicester City, who were playing at St. James’ Park.
But after the game, Carragher and Gary Neville both made their selections for things such as Player of the Season, Young Player of the Season and Signing of the Season.
Unsurprisingly, there were mentions for a few City players, given the amazing Premier League season the club has just had.
Both Carragher and Neville picked Erling Haaland as their Player of the Season.
The Norwegian has been breaking all sorts of records and was just named FWA Footballer of the Year. He will more than likely also scoop the PFA Player of the Year award.
Then it came to Signing of the Season, and Carragher (initially) selected City defender Akanji.
Akanji came in last summer for just £15 million from Borussia Dortmund.
His signing didn’t really blow fans away, and some didn’t really expect too much from him given his reputation.
But Akanji has been a breath of fresh air at the Etihad Stadium.
He cost just £15 million, but he’s looked a £50 million player with some of the performances he’s turned in this season.
Akanji has thrived in City’s backline, and Pep Guardiola has really trusted him, handing him 46 appearances so far.
It has been reported that club officials are absolutely delighted with him, and how he’s improved concentration at the back.
Carragher said on MNF: “I think Akanji has been brilliant. Because he wasn’t a massive amount of money. I thought he would just be a squad player. He’s made himself a mainstay, he’s played right-back, centre-back and left-back.”
Carragher then actually opted to name his Signing of the Season as Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest, who has played a big part in keeping the Reds up this term.
Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji is definitely up there as one of the signings of the season, as Jamie Carragher praises defender
It was nice to see Akanji being acknowledged last night on Monday Night Football – even if Carragher did eventually pick someone else for his Signing of the Season.
City have been relentless this season, but the Switzerland international has looked absolutely solid at the back.
When he plays, City’s backline feels stronger.
He’s got pace, power and is excellent on the ball – and these traits make him a quality defender and you can tell why Guardiola has relied on him so much.
He has that high intelligence to be able to look so comfortable anywhere he plays.
Whoever at City was involved in bringing Akanji to the club deserves major credit.
