Glenn Murray has lavished praise on Manchester City’s defender Manuel Akanji, highlighting how seamlessly he has integrated into the club. Akanji, who is in his second season with the Manchester outfit, will, however, miss the upcoming match against Manchester United due to a suspension resulting from a red card in City’s previous Premier League game against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Despite this recent setback, a former Premier League player turned commentator has been effusive in his admiration for the Swiss center-back and his contributions to the Etihad Stadium, as expressed by Murray in a recent episode of Team Talks by Premier League Productions, which was broadcast on Optus Sport.
Murray remarked, “Akanji will be a significant absence, no doubt about it.” He went on to emphasize that many players don’t immediately find their footing in the Manchester City shirt, often requiring an extended period to adapt. Nevertheless, Murray remains confident that City will maintain their strength in the upcoming clash at Old Trafford, even without Akanji’s presence.
Manuel Akanji’s journey to Manchester City saw him join the club from Borussia Dortmund in September the previous year in a transfer deal valued at £15 million.
His contribution has already been felt, with Akanji notching his second goal for City in a 3-1 Champions League victory over Young Boys as of Wednesday. He has amassed 61 appearances for the club in various competitions since his arrival.
Akanji’s statistics underscore his prowess as a defender. In the previous season, he recorded 52 tackles, 5 interceptions, and 27 blocks in 29 Premier League matches, ranking third in the City team for the combined total of tackles and interceptions.
These impressive defensive figures serve as a testament to his ability, justifying City’s decision to acquire him.
Reflecting on Akanji’s performance and adaptation to Manchester City, it’s apparent that he has seamlessly transitioned into the team and evolved into a pivotal player under the guidance of manager Pep Guardiola.
