Manuel Akanji is one of Switzerland’s most important players — being a mainstay in the heart of their defence.
Akanji was one of the standout players at Euro 2024 as well — earning his place in the official Team of the Tournament as well.
Kyle Walker helped Manuel Akanji’s penalty miss against England — as Luke Shaw revealed that the 34-year-old pointed where his Manchester City teammate would place to ball to Jordan Pickford during the penalty shootout between both countries at the European Championship.
Frank Lampard claimed Akanji was “great” at Euro 2024 — regardless of his missed spot-kick in the quarter-final of the tournament after the game ended 1-1 after extra-time.
The Manchester City defender is Switzerland’s vice-captain — a nation who tend to punch above their weight at major tournaments.
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Akanji says he’d choose De Bruyne or Foden to play for Switzerland, not Haaland
Murat Yakin’s side can give several major footballing nations a tough test on any given day.
The former Borussia Dortmund centre-back’s instrumental presence is certainly one reason why that is the case.
When quizzed about which player at the Etihad Stadium if given the chance to play for Switzerland, Akanji opted for either Kevin De Bruyne or Phil Foden over Erling Haaland.
The 29-year-old said on Manchester City’s YouTube channel: “I’ve had this question before and at that time, I said Julian Alvarez. Now in our team, who could help us a lot…I’ll probably say Kevin, Kevin De Bruyne or Phil Foden.”
“Like a number 10 would be good in our team.”
In September, Akanji revealed Haaland is “more involved” in Manchester City’s build-up this campaign and he has been holding the ball up “really well.”
Having played with him at Borussia Dortmund as well, Akanji claimed Haaland’s heading was not the best before he signed for City — an aspect of the star striker’s game that has “improved a lot” in the Swiss colossus’ opinion.
Previously, Akanji has labelled Foden as a “big player” — who he would like to add to the Switzerland national team.
The two-time Premier League winner also described De Bruyne’s passing as “crazy” via Manchester City’s official website.
Erling Haaland would be eyeing major tournament appearance for Norway
Ultimately, Akanji could have named several other of his City teammates and still not given an answer that can be deemed incorrect.
However, in Haaland’s case, he is yet to have played in a major tournament unlike a majority of his teammates at Manchester City.
The 24-year-old would be hoping that Norway qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
But so far, Haaland has stepped up in a Norwegian shirt as he recently became his country’s all-time top goalscorer by scoring 34 goals in 36 matches — via TNT Sports.
The Manchester City striker would certainly not wish to end his career without playing in a major tournament with his country.
Haaland would be aiming to ensure that sooner rather than later, Norway play in a major tournament and he could prove his class at the international level as well.
