Former Manchester United player Phil Neville believes Borussia Dortmund and Switzerland centre-back Manuel Akanji has all the capabilities to become an exceptional modern day defender.
Akanji, 22, secured a move to the Bundesliga giants from Basel in January and went on to start in 10 matches as the Ruhr district club finished fourth in the league.
His exploits at club level ensured that a place in the Switzerland squad for the World Cup this summer was guaranteed, and the Wiesendangen-born defender would subsequently start in every match for his homeland.
The Swiss progressed through Group E unbeaten with draws against Brazil and Costa Rica and a win over Serbia, though Akanji and Co would subsequently lose 1-0 to Sweden in the Round of 16.
Despite this, Phil Neville was impressed with the performance of the 22-year-old during his side’s defeat to the Scandinavians in Saint Petersburg.
Speaking to the BBC on their coverage of the World Cup, Neville said: “I think this boy could be absolutely special. A modern day defender.”
Described as a complete defender, Akanji is proficient with both feet and can play in a number of roles at the back such is his versatility, having switched between central defence and left-back since moving to the Westfalenstadion.
With the recent departure of Sokratis Papastathopoulos to Arsenal, Akanji will likely make the centre-back berth his own under new manager Lucien Favre.
The post Phil Neville tips Manuel Akanji to become an “absolutely special” modern day defender appeared first on Squawka News.
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