25 | Manuel Akanji - 2023/24

[blueparrot]

Dunno what people saw in him last night. He slowed us down every time he picked the ball up. He's a class defender but he can't do that Stones role.

Don't know what you didn't see last night he was excellent, maybe not quite Stones, but very good last night and most games.

 

[youngbob]

Don't know what you didn't see last night he was excellent, maybe not quite Stones, but very good last night and most games.

All I saw was him giving it away needlessly when we had men committed -- leaving us wide open to dangerous counter attacks that Walker continuously had to cover for -- and slowing down previously zippy moves because he had to take two touches to bring the ball under control. He's an excellent defender who can step into midfield comfortably but he's not even a decent midfielder outright, especially not when he has to string moves together 30 yards from the Madrid goal. Clearly Stones wasn't fully fit, which is why Pep didn't start him, but I think Lewis would have been far better suited last night and we might have won the game with him instead. Never mind.

 

[Le Havre Oswald]

He gives 7/10 performances every single game in 4/5 different positions. He’s a great player and I feel those who can’t see the value he brings don’t know much.

Not many players can play Centre back one game, full back the next and then cm/dm the game after.

 

[pride in battle]

He gives 7/10 performances every single game in 4/5 different positions. He’s a great player and I feel those who can’t see the value he brings don’t know much.

Not many players can play Centre back one game, full back the next and then cm/dm the game after.

He's right up there for player of the season

 

[SebastianBlue]

I thought he was our best defender and contributed quite a lot to our attack when slotting in to midfield, as well. He created at least three good chances for us with his incisive passing, which we failed to capitalise on.

Not sure how he could be faulted for the result.

 

[blueparrot]

All I saw was him giving it away needlessly when we had men committed -- leaving us wide open to dangerous counter attacks that Walker continuously had to cover for -- and slowing down previously zippy moves because he had to take two touches to bring the ball under control. He's an excellent defender who can step into midfield comfortably but he's not even a decent midfielder outright, especially not when he has to string moves together 30 yards from the Madrid goal. Clearly Stones wasn't fully fit, which is why Pep didn't start him, but I think Lewis would have been far better suited last night and we might have won the game with him instead. Never mind.

You missed his linking with Rodri, his underlapping runs into the box, him using his pace to cover some of their attempted breaks then?

 

[Bournemouth Blue]

In the absence of Ake, this guy is reliable most of the time, and I think the left side of defence is really solid now, at least compared to recent years. Most teams struggle in the left defence these days. My main concern is that the right side relies so much on Walker, who is getting on in years, but good for another year or two when fit. I think Stones and Lewis are evolving into midfielders, no bad thing, but recruiting a back-up for Kyle in the right back role should be a priority, along with a Rodrigo clone in central midfield.

 

[city warrior]

What a steal. The only reliable defender this season (Gvardiol is having a great last two months too). Stones plays 1 match and is injured the next 5, Ake similar, Walker makes too many mistakes, Ruben has had his worst season individually.

But Akanaji is always reliable, great passer, incredible physique and focused all the time. Love him.

 

[Lavinda Past]

Player of the season for me. An absolute steal - He’s a top class player.

 

[clarion]

Akanji holds our defense together.