Pep Guardiola raved about one Manchester City player’s performance in his side’s latest 4-2 victory against Crystal Palace.
In all fairness, Guardiola could perhaps have made such an assessment about most of his players’ displays against Palace.
Kevin De Bruyne would deservedly be the first name on the Catalan’s lips as he returned to his brilliant best against Oliver Glasner’s side with a stunning brace.
However, the 32-year-old was not the only City player who was in the swing of things against Palace.
Jack Grealish perhaps put in his best performance of the season against the Eagles.
Rico Lewis shone as well, as he did against Aston Villa and Arsenal.
The same goes for Oscar Bobb, who repaid Pep Guardiola’s faith in him as a starter in a must-win contest against Crystal Palace.
Pep Guardiola hails “unbelievable” Manchester City player in Crystal Palace win
The goals have started to flow again for a City side, who have bagged eight in their last two Premier League games.
It seems like the Sky Blues have finally started to click and are ready to ensure that the title race goes down to the final day.
While Manchester City were far from flawless, especially in the first 20 minutes of the game, they grew into the game.
When Kevin De Bruyne is firing on all cylinders, it is difficult for any team in the world to contend with him and that includes a determined Crystal Palace side.
But leaving De Bruyne aside, there was another player from the visitors’ team who took Guardiola’s breath away.
Rico Lewis confirmed after the contest that Josko Gvardiol had suffered a niggle and as a result, he was taken off at half time.
In came Manuel Akanji, whose showing at left-back against Crystal Palace blew Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola away.
“Yeah, he pushed us a lot. Manu [Manuel Akanji] was unbelievable, playing in the left-back [position] and proved his potential, so he is an incredible player”, he said about the £15 million man on TNT Sports.
Manuel Akanji was a class apart
In our view, Pep Guardiola was right to laud Manuel Akanji after Manchester City got over the line against Crystal Palace.
The Swiss international was excellent as a makeshift left-back, driving up the pitch, showing his comfortability in a back three, centrally and in wider areas in possession.
The former Borussia Dortmund defender was typically comfortable with driving forward with the ball at his feet at pace; a skill most centre-backs cannot say they have in their locker.
However, Pep Guardiola is seemingly confident about Manuel Akanji being terrific across the backline and against Crystal Palace, he adapted to an unnatural role with ease for Manchester City yet again.