This article will tell you about the career highlights of Swiss footballer Manuel Akanji
Manuel Obafemi Akanji is a Swiss professional footballer who currently plays as a center-back for English club Manchester City and the Switzerland national team.
Born on July 19, 1995, in Wiesendangen, Switzerland, Akanji began his football career at FC Wiesendangen before moving to FC Winterthur’s youth academy.
Career Overview
In 2015, Akanji signed his first professional contract with FC Basel, one of the most successful clubs in Switzerland. He quickly established himself as a regular starter in the team, playing in both the Swiss Super League and the UEFA Champions League.
In his first season with the club, he helped them win the league title, and the following season, he was named the Swiss Super League Young Player of the Year.
Akanji’s impressive performances attracted the attention of several top European clubs, and in January 2018, he signed for Borussia Dortmund in the German Bundesliga.
He quickly became a key player for the team, forming a strong partnership with Sokratis Papastathopoulos in central defense. In his first half-season with the club, he helped them finish in fourth place in the league and reach the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League.
The following season, Akanji continued to impress, and he played a key role in helping Borussia Dortmund finish as runners-up in the Bundesliga, just two points behind champions Bayern Munich. He also helped the team reach the round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League, where they were eliminated by Tottenham Hotspur.
Playing Style
Akanji’s playing style is characterized by his physical strength, tactical intelligence, and excellent reading of the game.
He is a confident ball-playing center-back who is comfortable on the ball and capable of initiating attacks from the back. He is also a strong and aggressive defender who is difficult to beat in one-on-one situations.
International Career
On the international stage, Akanji made his debut for the Switzerland national team in 2017 and has since become a regular starter.
He played a key role in helping Switzerland qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where they reached the round of 16 before being eliminated by Sweden. He also played a crucial role in Switzerland’s run to the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League in 2019.
Social Works
Off the field, Akanji is known for his charitable work and has been involved in several initiatives to help those in need. In 2020, he donated CHF 5,000 to support a local children’s charity in his hometown of Wiesendangen.
Summary
In summary, Manuel Akanji has had a successful career so far, establishing himself as a talented and versatile center-back at both FC Basel and Borussia Dortmund. With his impressive performances and unique playing style, he is regarded as one of the best defenders in the German Bundesliga and a key player for the Switzerland national team.
