The centre-back had hardly trained with his new side, in part due to his partner giving birth recently. But with Manchester City suffering a number of issues at centre-back already this term, the Swiss international was thrown in at the depend vs Sevilla.
Akanji started alongside Ruben Dias as Manchester City ran out 4-0 winners in what was a very comfortable match for the Sky Blues.
The stopper has continued to excel in City’s backline and has already earned comparisons to Vincent Kompany, which he discussed in a recent interview:
“Kompany was the best defender in the Premier League and being compared to him is a big honour. But I do my own thing, I’m not trying to copy. I’m trying to do my thing. Vincent Kompany is one [I looked up to]. Sergio Ramos also,” Akanji said.
He added: “When the team needs me, I’m ready. My goal is to play every game. I wanted to make the coach’s decision as hard as possible. At every club there have been some games at right back. My best position is still centre back but when the team needs me I’m there.”
Pep Guardiola has also been discussing Akanji after City’s 4-0 win over Southampton:
“I said for this season we need a striker and central defender. We were lucky to get him. He’s very pleased how his whole life is.”
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