Mark Schwarzer has named Manuel Akanji in his Premier League Team of the Season.
Speaking to The Optus Sport Football Podcast, the pundit lauded Akanji for how impressive he has been since signing for Manchester City last summer.
Mark Schwarzer names “brilliant” Manuel Akanji in his Premier League Team of the Season
Even Pep Guardiola hailed the £180,000-a-week (Sport Rac) man’s signing, highlighting his versatility as a major reason why he has been such an asset to the Sky Blues.
Starting nine out of 12 Premier League games for City this season, the 28-year-old has been a pivotal member of his side’s backline once again.
Now, Mark Schwarzer has said that Manuel Akanji has made the cut in his Premier League Team of the Season so far.
“I’ve got Akanji from City because I rate Akanji. I think he’s been absolutely brilliant”, Schwarzer told The Optus Sport Football Podcast.
He added, “And actually, since he’s arrived at City, I think he’s been brilliant.”
The brilliance of Manuel Akanji often goes under the radar
It is refreshing to hear Manuel Akanji be praised for his performances as apart from Mark Schwarzer, not many pundits seem to highlight his displays.
While the likes of John Stones, Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake especially tend to get credited for their displays, the same cannot be said about the Swiss international.
Even during Manchester City’s recent 4-4 draw against Chelsea, in which they were quite poor defensively, Akanji was their one and only standout at the back, putting in a splendid showing at Stamford Bridge.
As Mark Schwarzer pointed out as well, ever since the former Borussia Dortmund centre-back joined the club, he has been nothing short of spectacular.
It is high-time that Manuel Akanji’s consistent excellence is recognised, as it seems not to be as much of a talking point as it should be.
As the treble-winners prepare to face Liverpool this Saturday, one can expect Akanji to be a likely starter in the top-of-the-table clash.
