Former Leeds United manager Sam Allardyce has lavished praise on Manuel Akanji following his amazing performances this season for Manchester City.
The Switzerland international is about to come to the end of his first campaign with the club.
He arrived at the start of the season in a £15 million transfer deal, which actually raised a few eyebrows.
Akanji did not have an absolutely stellar reputation at Borussia Dortmund.
But that seems absolutely ridiculous now, as he has been one of City’s very best players this season.
Akanji has featured heavily this season, playing a variety of positions in the backline.
But it has not mattered where Pep Guardiola has put him – he has looked extremely comfortable regardless.
Just recently, Akanji has been featuring on the left of a back three.
He started to play there when Nathan Ake got injured, and he has seriously impressed. His performance against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium was particularly memorable.
Akanji came in for praise from Allardyce last night on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast. He couldn’t quite believe how good he is.
He said: “What a job he’s done there. All of a sudden I go wow, what is this lad!? Is he a centre-half naturally and they just put him there? He’s unbelievable.”
Manuel Akanji has been absolutely class for Manchester City in his first season, as Sam Allardyce praises defender
City officials are thought to be absolutely delighted with the Akanji transfer.
The star has come in and just been so good and so consistent.
Few really expected him to be a regular starter. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher recently admitted Akanji’s level of involvement had taken him by surprise.
Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne have gotten most of the plaudits this season for City.
But Akanji has been a total breath of fresh air at the back.
He would be fully justified in starting the Champions League final on Saturday. That would be tough on Nathan Ake who has also been brilliant this season. But the momentum Akanji has right now might just make him a better pick.
