“He’s a player i don’t like to play against. He can do EVERYTHING with just a single pass, i have his signed jersey in my gallery at my house”- Man City star Manuel Alanji was full of praise for ‘sloggish’ Arsenal superstar as his favorite Arsenal player he would have love to play with- Not Saka, Not Odegard and not Declan Rice
“He’s a player i don’t like to play against. He can do EVERYTHING with just a single pass, i have his signed jersey in my gallery at my house”- Man City star Manuel Alanji was full of praise for ‘sloggish’ Arsenal superstar as his favorite Arsenal player he would have love to play with- Not Saka, Not Odegard and not Declan Rice
Manuel Akanji is an Admirer of Arsenal’s Finest
In the world of football, admiration and respect among players are common occurrences. It is not unusual for footballers to have their favorite players from other teams, regardless of the rivalries that may exist on the pitch.
Before we explore Akanji’s favorite Arsenal player, let’s take a moment to appreciate the Swiss center-back’s own accomplishments. Born on July 19, 1995, in Wiesendangen, Switzerland, Akanji has emerged as one of the most promising young defenders in European football.
He began his professional career at FC Basel in Switzerland before making a move to the German powerhouse Borussia Dortmund in 2018.
Akanji quickly established himself as a key figure in Dortmund’s defense, demonstrating his composure, tactical awareness, and ability to read the game. His solid performances earned him a place in the Swiss national team, where he has represented his country with distinction in major tournaments.
The Arsenal Connection
Despite plying his trade in the German Bundesliga, Akanji has long held a special admiration for a player who has graced the pitch at the Emirates Stadium. That player is none other than Arsenal’s midfield maestro, Mesut Özil.
Özil, a German international, joined Arsenal from Real Madrid in 2013 and immediately made an impact with his extraordinary vision, passing ability, and creativity on the field. Akanji was captivated by Özil’s playing style and the elegance with which he orchestrated Arsenal’s attacking play.
Akanji’s Admiration for Mesut Özil
In numerous interviews, Akanji has expressed his admiration for Özil’s unique qualities as a footballer. He has highlighted Özil’s exceptional vision, impeccable ball control, and ability to unlock tight defenses with his precise passes.
Akanji has often spoken about how Özil’s playing style resonated with him and how he drew inspiration from the German playmaker’s ability to dictate the tempo of the game.
Furthermore, Akanji has praised Özil’s professionalism and work ethic off the pitch. He has acknowledged the dedication and discipline Özil displayed in maintaining his fitness and honing his skills, which contributed to his success and longevity in the game.
Akanji’s Aspirations
As a young defender aiming to enhance his own game, Akanji recognizes the importance of studying and learning from the best. Mesut Özil’s technical prowess and footballing intelligence have undoubtedly left a lasting impression on Akanji. By observing Özil’s performances and studying his style of play, Akanji aspires to incorporate similar qualities into his own game, even from a defensive position.
Manuel Akanji’s admiration for Arsenal’s Mesut Özil highlights the mutual respect and appreciation that exists among footballers, transcending club rivalries.
Akanji’s recognition of Özil’s talent and his desire to emulate certain aspects of his game demonstrate the dedication and ambition of a young footballer striving to reach the pinnacle of his career.
As Akanji continues to evolve as a formidable defender, his admiration for Özil serves as a reminder of the impact a player can have beyond the confines of the pitch. Football is not only about competition but also about inspiration and shared admiration for the artistry and skill displayed by fellow professionals.
