Pep Guardiola confirmed that Manuel Akanji’s adaptability and tactical understanding have made him one of the key players in the team.
With Kyle Walker undergoing groin surgery earlier this week and John Stones still recovering from an injury he picked up with England in late September, the defender featured at right-back during the 4-0 win over Southampton on Saturday.
The Swiss international did not disappoint Guardiola, as he continued his impressive start at the federation with another fine performance.
The City manager praised Akanji’s performance against Southampton, insisting that the defender’s unfamiliar position was evidence of his footballing intelligence.
Pip said, “You only have to tell him once [وهو] He knows that.”
He continued, “He performs defensive and offensive movements perfectly, and this is a gift to the coach.”
He pointed out: “Some players have to explain ten times or train ten times to show what you think or what you want to do, this guy only needed one training session and he understood that.”
He also explained: “The movement he has to do as a fullback, the high pressure he didn’t train once and he did it perfectly.”
He added: “With the ball he’s a great player, you have to have three players in defense and that’s why in the position that Kyle usually plays in. [ووكر] or john [ستونز].”
He continued his admiration for the player, saying: “He was absolutely perfect, he proved once again that a smart person, always pays off.”
Pep also revealed the latest developments in Stones’ injury.
The England international has yet to return to training with his teammates, but Guardiola revealed that the defender’s recovery is progressing at a positive rate.
However, the Catalan insisted that Akanji’s performance against Southampton provided him with a viable alternative in both central midfield and right-back and could be used in crises.
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Guardiola said of Stones: “He’s getting better, but he’s still not training with us, I don’t know [متى سيعود]Hopefully he’ll be better and come back when he’s ready.”
“Manuel has made a huge impact since his arrival, the club has made an amazing deal – a good signing – and we are very happy.”
And he added: “I’m very happy because we found out today, if we need him to play as a right-back, he can.”
Regarding the absence of Stones Walker, he said: “With Kyle and John out for a long time, I don’t know when he’ll be back, he’s had this opportunity to play at right-back and he can go there.”
He concluded his statements by saying: “It is very important that we have another weapon on set balls and long balls, how strong it is with the ball and how well it adapts, as it is complete in everything.”