Manuel Akanji sets challenge for Man City teammate Rodri upon return from suspension

Manuel Akanji has challenged Rodri to prove he is the best defensive midfielder in the world upon his return from suspension.

Manchester City are back in Premier League action today as they take on Brighton following the international break. Pep Guardiola's side are in a rare predicament having suffered back-to-back defeats to Wolves and Arsenal.

The Blues will be boosted against the impressive Seagulls by the return of Rodri from suspension. The Spaniard was banned for three games after he was sent off for violent conduct against Nottingham Forest and City lost all three of those fixtures. But he is free to come back into the starting XI and Akanji wants him to show how good he is.

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“Even though he was missing and he is a really important player for us, we have players that can play in his position and they are really good too," the defender said. "I think all of us have to do better, it’s not just because Rodri was missing.

"We have got other players that have been missing most of the season like John and Kevin and we managed to win games. Hopefully, we can turn it around and Rodri can help us do it.

"He is really important. He fits perfectly in our system and the way that we play, offensively and defensively. I think he is the best number six in the world and hopefully he can show it in the next few games that we have got."

Akanji has also vowed the side will work hard to make amends for their recent defeats and get back to winning ways. He added: “It didn’t feel good at all. We all know that we have got to turn it around.

"We have to work harder and give our best on Saturday. Then we have