WHAT we can expect from our £15m defender 1 With our injury concerns in central defence, Akanji has the target of cementing himself in the first team. Able to play centrally or as an emergency fullback, he will provide healthy competition in the defensive positions. Availability is an important quality this season. 2 Akanji will try to fit in with Pep's system, that values utilisation of space, appreciation for defenders that can build from the back and contribute to the attack, cutting through lines with their vertical passes. 3 An international calibre footballer with a wealth of experience, he will be able to jump into our starting XI in all domestic and European competitions. 4 He ticks all the boxes for the requirements of a modern Premier League centreback. Akanji is quick, very comfortable on the ball and can pass from the back. Pep himself compared Akanji to Laporte. 5 Akanji is strong, possessing the physical attributes and athleticism to climatise to the aggressive nature and pace of the Premier League 6 He will form an excellent centreback partnership with Ruben Dias. 7 At 27 years of age he will be entering his prime as a centeback. Pep still has time to mould him
Akanji is already establishing himself as one of the best centebacks in the league, with another masterclass performance from him against Manchester United. The combination of his physical prowess and technical ability may well be forcing Pep to promote him as our #1 centreback. Let me repeat. £15millon. Steal.
