‘He’s so clever’ – Pep Guardiola praises ‘exceptional’ Man City star after solid Premier League debut

Pep Guardiola hailed Manuel Akanji’s aggression and reading of the game after the centre-back made his first appearance in the Premier League for Manchester City as the Blues cruised to a 3-0 win at Wolves.

The summer signing has made three successive starts since his £15million move from Borussia Dortmund, but this was his first appearance in domestic competition.

He helped City to a clean sheet in the 3-0 success at Wolves and has found himself more involved than expected, with John Stones repurposed at right-back and Aymeric Laporte out injured.

Guardiola was delighted with Akanji’s first experience of Premier League football and the aggression and intelligence he showed alongside Ruben Dias.

“More than exceptional, win all the duels in the build-up, read perfectly when play short or long, he is so, so clever and when he goes, he goes, but he doesn’t go too much to give away penalties or fouls,” he said.

“He is so aggressive to go close to the opponent but then has the tempo to control the situation. Really, really good, from day one we felt he gets it.

These Guardiola’s comments were shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.

“Must start in the derby”
Credit: @JackMCI_

“He was brilliant in all the matches he played..what a signing 👏”
Credit: @abheestweet

“He looks better than what we thought”
Credit: @letmetalkk_

“Outstanding again today that lad.”
Credit: @HardyMCFC1

“Today he was impressive”
Credit: @BSheroking1