A BBC pundit has voiced criticism over the £180,000-per-week salary of a Manchester City star following the team’s defeat to Aston Villa. The 1-0 loss marked one of City’s poorest performances under Pep Guardiola’s management, leaving fans disappointed after draws against top teams like Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur.
City’s lackluster display at Villa Park raised concerns, especially as Unai Emery’s team outplayed them in various aspects. Guardiola struggled to find a solution, with Josko Gvardiol facing challenges against Leon Bailey, and City failing to gain control or break down Villa’s defense.
Post-match analysis has begun, with some attributing City’s struggles to the midfield arrangement.
Martin Keown specifically criticized Manuel Akanji, who seemed uncomfortable in the midfield role against Aston Villa. With Rodri suspended, City opted for John Stones and Akanji in holding midfield, a decision that proved costly as they failed to assert any control over the game.
Akanji, often deployed in midfield this season, had a difficult night according to Keown, who commented on Match of the Day: “Akanji in midfield didn’t look comfortable.
Do you want him in the backfield?” Keown questioned whether City had lost the dominating prowess that characterized their play in previous seasons, referring to their recent winless streak as a potential mini-crisis for Guardiola.
The assessment of Akanji’s performance in midfield remains inconclusive. Despite his struggles, the entire team faced challenges in the Villa match, resulting in no player receiving credit for a standout performance.
The pundit also highlighted the player’s substantial £180,000-a-week salary and acknowledged Akanji’s overall impact since joining City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022.
Uncertainties persist about his suitability for the hybrid midfield role, given his differences in physical strength and movement compared to players like Stones.
Akanji, known for his excellent ball-playing abilities in defense, raises questions about the sustainability of his role further up the field. City’s recent struggles, marked by four winless games, amplify the scrutiny on key players and tactical decisions, presenting a challenging period for Pep Guardiola and his team. The verdict on Akanji’s effectiveness in the midfield role remains a subject of ongoing evaluation.
