Manuel Akanji
CB
Ball-Playing Centre Back
Jul 19, 1995 (30)
Right
6'2"
201 lb
Records three clearances
Akanji registered one tackle (one won) and three clearances in Saturday's 3-1 loss against Argentina.
Analysis: Akanji was once again a starter for the Swiss as they faced Argentina, starting and playing the full match in all six appearances this World Cup. He would see a decent day with one tackle won, three clearances and 50 passes completed, although he was beaten on an early header to give Argentina a lead. He would earn two clean sheets for the team on their path to the quarterfinals, a solid display from the veteran center-back.
Makes five clearances in victory
Akanji registered one tackle (one won), five clearances and one interception in Tuesday's 0-0 (4-3) penalty shootout win against Colombia.
Analysis: Akanji did a good job despite finishing as the less productive member of a center-back pairing alongside Nico Elvedi against Colombia. The Inter Milan man performed close to his tournament averages of 4.8 clearances, 1.2 interceptions and 1.6 tackles per contest. He should continue to be reliable for playing time, though his side's clean sheet chances will be lower in the next clash with Argentina.
Delivers strong defensive display
Akanji registered one tackle (one won), seven clearances and three interceptions in Thursday's 2-0 win versus Algeria.
Analysis: Akanji registered three interceptions, one chance created and one tackle across his 90 minutes in Thursday's 2-0 win over Algeria, denying Riyad Mahrez when the Algerian captain had a rare first-half opportunity blocked at close range, and contributing to a collective defensive display that kept Algeria to very few shots on target despite their sustained possession in the second half. The center-back completed 62 passes and won two aerial duels, and his combination with Nico Elvedi gives Switzerland one of the most reliable defensive partnerships in the round of 16.
Posts five clearances versus Canada
Akanji had two tackles (two won) and five clearances and completed 65 passes in Wednesday's 2-1 victory versus Canada.
Analysis: Akanji was on his way to yet another brilliant defensive display, but he had trouble guarding Nathan Saliba in the second half and wasn't great on Canada's lone goal, soiling his performance. He has recorded at least one tackle, totaling six (all won), and three clearances, racking up 12, in the first three matches, adding two interceptions and three chances created, but with no clean sheets.
Dominant defensive display in win
Akanji registered three tackles (three won), four clearances and two interceptions in Thursday's 4-1 win versus Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Analysis: Akanji was imperious at the heart of Switzerland's defence, winning seven of nine duels against Bosnia's forwards while adding three tackles, two interceptions and four clearances to underline his defensive authority. Equally impressive was his contribution in possession, completing 80 accurate passes with 39 into the opposition half and six long balls that stretched the game and helped Switzerland maintain their stranglehold on the contest. The only blemish on an otherwise flawless night was a stoppage-time equaliser that cruelly denied him a deserved clean sheet.
Controls play from defense
Akanji had one shot (one on goal) and two chances created in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Qatar.
Analysis: Akanji delivered a composed defensive display in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Qatar at Levi's Stadium, winning his aerial duels and contributing a shot on target from a corner in the first half. The center-back completed a high volume of passes throughout the match as Qatar sat deep in a low block and offered little pressure in possession. However, the late equalizer conceded in stoppage time prevented Switzerland from taking all three points and left the group wide open heading into the second round of fixtures.
Set to anchor Swiss backline
Akanji has been named in Switzerland's World Cup squad and is expected to lead the defensive unit as one of the most experienced and authoritative center-backs in the squad.
Analysis: Akanji posted 60 tackles, 42 interceptions and 135 clearances across all competitions this season, delivering another commanding campaign that reinforces his standing as one of the top defenders in Serie A. His combination of physicality, composure on the ball and reading of the game makes him a difficult opponent for any forward line, and his ability to step out and engage in midfield areas without compromising the defensive shape gives Switzerland an additional layer of tactical flexibility at the back. Akanji is the cornerstone of Switzerland's defensive structure and the player around whom coach Murat Yakin builds his defensive organization. His experience in major tournaments and his familiarity with playing alongside the other members of the Swiss backline gives the unit a cohesion and understanding that is difficult to replicate. Switzerland's chances of keeping clean sheets and progressing deep into the knockout rounds are directly tied to Akanji's ability to lead from the back and impose his quality on the most dangerous opposition attackers this summer.
Unavailable versus Bologna
Akanji will be spared in Saturday's season finale ahead of the World Cup, La Gazzetta dello Sport relayed.
Analysis: Akanji will avoid taking unnecessary risks and will join his national team a little earlier, as Inter have already clinched the title. Stefan De Vrij or Francesco Acerbi will take his place. He's been a reliable day-out starter since joining last summer, contributing to 17 clean sheets in 43 games and tallying 60 tackles, 42 interceptions and 135 clearances.
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