Manchester City’s Mr Fix It in defense Manuel Akanji has shown he has another string to his bow with a quality display against Newcastle United in City’s 1-nil win.
The Swiss defender has played right across the back four during his spell with the treble winners. With an injury to John Stones meaning, he has missed the start of the season, Akanji has slotted into the role Stones made his own last season.
His performance against Sevilla showed the City defender needed some time to adjust to the new demands expected of him from Pep Guardiola. Akanji showed he had adjusted to his new role with an outstanding performance against Eddie Howe’s side.
Manchester City’s Mr Fix It was everywhere for the champions. He was part of the defense that shut down the sizable threat posed by Newcastle’s attack. When the treble winners had possession, he drifted into midfield ala John Stones to give Pep’s side more control in possession.
Speaking post-game Manuel Akanji spoke of how he is learning his new role. He spoke of how he has only recently begun learning his new role. Speaking post-game, he said: “With John Stones’ injury I had two or three training sessions in there holding midfield and I’m starting to feel pretty comfortable now, but I think it’s the fifth position I’ve played in this team now.”
“He’s so good in that midfield role!”
Manuel Akanji talks quick turnaround after #SuperCup midweek, adapting to the ‘John Stones’ role and the brilliance of Phil Foden!
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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 19, 2023
After the treble winners have begun the new season with some niggling injuries to key players John Stones, Manuel Akanji has shown how important he is to the City set-up by adding a new string to his bow for the 23/24 campaign.
