Glenn Murray recently praised Manchester City’s defender, Manuel Akanji, for his impressive adaptation to the club. Akanji, a center-back, is currently in his second season with the Manchester club, but he will miss the upcoming match against Manchester United due to a one-game suspension resulting from a red card in City’s previous Premier League game against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Despite this setback, former Premier League player and commentator Glenn Murray expressed his admiration for Akanji’s contributions during a recent episode of Team Talks by Premier League Productions, which was broadcast on Optus Sport. Murray acknowledged the challenges many players face when trying to assimilate into the Manchester City squad, emphasizing that it often takes them a considerable amount of time to adjust. However, he remained confident in Manchester City’s strength, even in Akanji’s absence, as they face Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Manuel Akanji, the Swiss international, made the switch to Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in September the previous year in a deal valued at £15 million. His impact on the team has been notable. As of Wednesday, the 28-year-old had scored his second goal for City in their 3-1 victory over Young Boys in the Champions League. Akanji has featured in 61 matches across various categories for the club since joining.
In the 29 Premier League games he played last season, Akanji’s defensive statistics were impressive, with 52 tackles, 5 interceptions, and 27 blocks. These numbers ranked him third in the City squad for tackles and interceptions. Akanji’s prowess as a defender has undoubtedly made him a valuable addition to the team, validating Manchester City’s decision to sign him.
Reflecting on these statistics and Akanji’s contributions, it becomes evident that he has seamlessly integrated into the Manchester City setup and established himself as a key player under Pep Guardiola’s management. This is no small feat, considering the high standards and fierce competition in one of the top football clubs in the world.
