6 | Nathan Ake - 2022/23

[Gabriel]

Given Akanji's relative comfort with both feet, I wonder if we might consider him on the left of the back 3/4, with Walker on the right

Walker's obviously very comfortable with the right-back role and has played on the right of a back three for England a few times. His experience against Martinelli and (especially) Vinicius could be vital

The question is how well Akanji would do in the left-back part of the job

The problem is that I don’t think he has ever played there in his professional career. Similarly, it would be a bit of a snub for Laporte.

 

[Chippy_boy]

The disrespect for laporte is awful this is a guy who's had salah in his pocket at klanfield arguably our best defender and very good on the ball. Yes he lacks a bit of pace but do you really think pep will set us up so teams can exploit that?

And to be fair, Ake is not exactly rapid either.

 

[FromPollockToSilva]

The problem is that I don’t think he has ever played there in his professional career. Similarly, it would be a bit of a snub for Laporte.

Akanji has made 3 senior appearances at leftback, compared to Laporte’s 13

 

[OntarioBlue]

Imo Ake has been absolutely brilliant this season and is a serious contender for player of the year.

He struggled last night against the pace of Coman, sonething I’m sure Pep will have made note of for when we play RM, who also hVe speedy wingers.

I haven’t seen any news today on his injury but if it’s a hamstring doesn’t that mean he’ll be out four to six weeks ? If that’s the case we will obviously miss him but Laporte is a World Class defender and a very adequate replacement.

 

[Gabriel]

Akanji has made 3 senior appearances at leftback, compared to Laporte’s 13

Not that much for either, in truth, but maybe a left-sided player will feel more comfortable there, especially when the rest of the back line will favour the right.

 

[KingGeorge]

Imo Ake has been absolutely brilliant this season and is a serious contender for player of the year.

He struggled last night against the pace of Coman, sonething I’m sure Pep will have made note of for when we play RM, who also hVe speedy wingers.

I haven’t seen any news today on his injury but if it’s a hamstring doesn’t that mean he’ll be out four to six weeks ? If that’s the case we will obviously miss him but Laporte is a World Class defender and a very adequate replacement.

Depends are severity

 

[Bournemouth Blue]

He was, and still is, popular with Bournemouth fans, he was always up for getting kids interested in the game and I think a number of Bournemouth fans will be happy to see him having such an excellent season for us. He got an ovation when City played at Bournemouth earlier this year. I hope his injury is soon healed, we need him for the run-in, and hopefully the Champions League semis

 

[wolviedinho]

If we get end of last season Laporte then we're sorted.

Worry is when he came on the left side on Saturday he was completely oblivious to the winger making runs. Will have to learn the full back role quickly

It’s far from ideal. Unless we go 3 at the back with wingbacks!

Can see pep keeping the same system now the players are used to it and we are on an unbeaten run.

 

[ford7]

I think we won't get any news until tomorrow.

 

[eastmanc]

Akanji has made 3 senior appearances at leftback, compared to Laporte’s 13

Laporte has to play on the left.