All you need to know about Liverpool target Manuel Akanji: 

Posted on by Tom Cavilla Posted in Uncategorized

Liverpool have been strongly linked with Basel centre half, Manuel Akanji, and could potentially make a move for the Switzerland defender in the upcoming  January transfer window. 

Akanji is only 22-years-old but despite this, he has already featured for the Swiss national team on four occasions.  

He is physically imposing in the heart of defence, has pace in abundance but also remains composed when in possession of the ball. 

Jurgen Klopp’s side have been subject to mass criticism in regards to the defensive unit at Anfield, as all too often this has been the Reds’ Achilles heel.
This move could prove to be a successful acquisition, but just who is the man in question?

 

Background:  

The 6ft 2′ defender began his footballing career in his home country, at local side Wiesendangen, where he spent three years. Following this, Akanji departed to second tier Swiss side FC Winterthur. 

In his final season at Winterthur, he featured in 37 games and became a key figure in the side.

Swiss giants, FC Basel, then swooped in and secured the services of the young defender.  

In April 2015, the signing of Akanji was confirmed, with the player officially joining for the start of the 2015/16 season. 

 

Basel beginnings:  

Akanji made his debut for Basel in September 2015. Following this, he made 12 appearances before he suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury in March 2016, which severely hindered his progression.  

After eleven months on the sidelines, he returned to action last campaign in February 2017, where he then began to establish himself as a first-team regular. 

He helped Basel on their way to their eighth consecutive Swiss league title and the 20th in the club’s history. 

 

How has he fared this season?  

Akanji has featured in all 19 league games, completing the full 90 minutes in all but one of the fixtures. With cup competitions added to the equation, he has contested in 28 matches.

Basel booked their place in the last 16 of the Champions League recently, having finished second in Group A, behind Liverpool’s rivals Manchester United. 

And Akanji was a key part of this success, as he failed to miss a single minute of group stage action.  

We could well see more of the towering defender, as Manchester City await the current Swiss champions in the next round.

On a national scale, he has represented Switzerland on four occasions. He appeared in his sides World Cup qualification games against The Faroe Islands and Andorra. 

Most notably, though, he played his part in both legs of Switzerland’s World-Cup play-off encounter against Northern Ireland, in which his country progressed with a narrow 1-0 aggregate victory. 

Interesting facts:  

Akanji was named ‘ Rookie of the Year’ at the Swiss Football Awards in the summer, an accolade which recognises the talents of young and upcoming stars in Switzerland. 

In an interview with ‘ Credit Suisse’,  he revealed that he has a tattoo on his lower arm which says ‘ prove them wrong’, which he decided to have whilst out of action for almost a year. 

He claims that this has always been his life motto. 

Tom Cavilla.

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