New Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji ‘made too many mistake’ during his time with Borussia Dortmund, according to former City and Liverpool star Didi Hamann....CONTINUE READING
On deadline day, City confirmed the signing of the Switzerland international on a five-year deal, with the 27-year-old having made 158 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit since January 2018. The centre-back, who has featured 41 times for his country and played a key role in their qualification for the World Cup, now links up with former Dortmund team-mate Erling Haaland following the striker’s move to the Etihad Stadium earlier this summer.
Akanji became the sixth addition to Pep Guardiola ‘s side during the transfer window, with Haaland, Julian Alvarez, Kalvin Phillips, Sergio Gomez and Stefan Ortega Moreno all signing for the reigning Premier League champions this summer.
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“I am delighted to be here and can’t wait to get started. City have been one of the best teams in Europe over the last few seasons,” the defender said upon signing his contract.
City had initially dismissed the idea of signing another centre-back, saying they would only do it if they woke up one morning and felt like it. However, with injuries to Nathan Ake and Aymeric Laporte, Guardiola felt the need to strengthen late in the window.
After the deal was confirmed, former City midfielder Hamann — who made 71 appearances for the club — claimed that the centre-back is a ‘capable player’ but that he made ‘too many mistakes’ during his stint in Germany.
“He’s a very good player, he’s been at Dortmund over the last few season, he’s just made too many mistakes,” Hamann said on Akanji on Sky Sports News.
“I think he’s a very capable player, if he maybe only plays 20 to 25 games his concentration levels will be better. Good player but at Dortmund made too many mistakes.”
Akanji will be available for selection when City face off against Aston Villa at the weekend, but it remains to be seen whether or not the defender will feature for Guardiola’s side.
