Manchester City need Manuel Akanji to return to his best as soon as possible | OneFootball

It is no secret that injuries have decimated Manchester City’s defence this season. Even now Nathan Ake and Ruben Dias are out due to injury. Although, there is some hope that the pair are nearing a return to the pitch. But one player who has been ever present at the back this season for Manchester City is Manuel Akanji.

The Swiss international has soldiered on all season for Pep Guardiola’s side. But as we saw against Arsenal in City’s 5-1 defeat Akanji hasn’t been at his best, especially of late. Going forward, as City chases securing Champions League football next and more, they need Manuel Akanji back to his best sooner rather than later.

As his teammates at the back have battled injury issues Akanji has always fronted up when he is fit for his team. In all competitions, the Swiss defender has made 29 appearances this season. Besides Josko Gvardiol, Manuel Akanji has been on the pitch more than any other City defender this season. Akanji has also had his injury issues this season but he has played through the pain barrier for his team. He should be commended for that. But we have seen this season that Akanji has been below his best. City needs Akanji to return to his best sooner rather than later.

Akanji’s performance against Arsenal at the Emirates last Sunday perfectly encapsulates his recent struggles. He made a costly error that led to a goal for Arsenal in the game’s opening minutes. His overall performance after that wasn’t up to his usual high standards. He wasn’t alone on that front against Arsenal as all of City’s players were well below their best. But in the case of Akanji he hasn’t hit the heights he usually does for his team.

Perhaps it’s due to his heavy workload this season that he has just seemed a step below what he become accustomed to seeing from the Swiss defender. Typically, when he’s at his best, Akanji is a pillar of consistency for Pep Guardiola. He plays a key role at the back for Manchester City with a minimal amount of fuss or praise. Usually, his performances go unnoticed as other players pick up the plaudits. But this season has seen Akanji’s performances drop off and that has stood out.

But for the remainder of this season, Manchester City need Manuel Akanji back to his best. If they are to get something out of this season they need a host of players to lift. Akanji is one of those. If he does it may help ease some of City’s defensive woes. So the challenge is there for the Swiss international to lift his play. If he does it may be a crucial component in the last half of the season for Manchester City.