Pep Guardiola: Manchester City made an incredible decision with Manuel Akanji

Erling Haaland may be commanding the headlines but Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City have also struck gold with their other summer signing from Borussia Dortmund, Manuel Akanji.

The Switzerland international has settled quickly since his deadline-day move to the Etihad Stadium, firstly slotting seamlessly into central defence.

He then showed his versatility with an accomplished performance filling in for the injured Kyle Walker at right-back in Saturday’s 4-0 Premier League stroll against Southampton.

“The club made an incredible decision with him,” said City boss Guardiola.

“There are players you have to explain to 10 times what you are thinking, what you want him to do.

“This guy, we did it in just one training session. Just tell him, and he got it.

“The movement you have to do as a full-back, the high pressing, it was a little bit scary as he hadn’t proved he could do it before.

“But he did it perfectly. Defending the crosses he didn’t miss once, absolutely perfect, and with the ball he’s a magnificent player.

“It proves again, intelligent people always pay off. Manu has made a huge impact since he arrived. It’s a gift for a manager, a gift. We were lucky to get him.”

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