Manuel Akanji
CB
Ball-Playing Centre Back
Jul 19, 1995 (30)
Right
6'2"
201 lb
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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.
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