Danny Murphy was left amazing after watching one Manchester City player in action on Saturday.
Italy took on Switzerland in the first last-16 match of Euro 2024, with the Swiss running out 2-0 winners in Berlin.
Quite a few people expected Switzerland to beat Italy having looked pretty good in the group stages. And it transpired that the Italians did not lay a glove on their opponents.
Switzerland dominated the ball and were deserved winners in the end, and they could well pose a problem for England in the quarter-final should they get past Slovakia tonight.
Italy just had no threat whatsoever, but that was in part down to some solid defending from Switzerland, with City star Manuel Akanji really standing out once again.
Towards the end of the game, Murphy – commentating for the BBC – raved about the £180,000-a-week ace.
Danny Murphy lauds Manuel Akanji during Switzerland 2-0 Italy
Prior to Saturday’s game, Akanji had been one of the standout performers at Euro 2024.
He has been not just one of the best defenders, but one of the best players period, and his form might just carry Switzerland far.
Akanji was imperious against Italy and didn’t give Gianluca Scamacca anything. He was also immaculate with his passing, finishing the game with a rate of 95% (via Sofascore).
Rio Ferdinand had raved over Akanji in the build-up to the game, and Murphy also lauded the City ace towards the end of the match amid another masterclass.
He said in the 82nd minute of the game: “I have to say, Akanji is the standout at the back. He’s just incredible.
“Calm, quick, controls everything there.
“The other thing with Akanji as well, his passing and distribution is great. He’s imperative for them to do well in this tournament. They have to keep him on the pitch.
“He sits in the middle of them, he dictates, he covers up all the little… puts out fires. He sees the runs, he’s just a wonderful player. He plays anywhere, we’ve seen him play full-back, played in midfield for Man City and be just as comfortable. He’s a terrific player.”
City are lucky to have Akanji
Akanji has been bossing things at Euro 2024 and it is so good to know he is a City player.
Whoever was involved in bringing him to the club deserves huge praise. He was only signed for £15 million which is just incredible, because now he operates like a £50 million player.
Pep Guardiola must also come in for a lot of credit here, because Akanji did not have the most amazing reputation at Borussia Dortmund.
Sure, he was a capable centre-back in the Bundesliga. But he was by no means top level, and nowhere near the levels he now shows consistently at City.
Hopefully, if England do get past Slovakia tonight to set up that meeting with Switzerland, then Akanji won’t be quite as good as he has been so far in Germany.