Strange... I can see the attraction of Ake to fill in for VDV and also LB, but Akanji is right footed and never really impressed at LCB...
He won’t cover the LB role no, but he is about 10x the CB Ake will ever be. Depends what we’re looking for.
I think in a DM+CM+CM system both Simons and Maddison can play in one of those box to box roles.
And Bentancur can play DM at a push whilst Gray could also play CM. Not to the same levels ofcourse but it would only be in extreme situations/injury crisis.
I think Akanji is rather good and versatile. Experienced too, all of which could be useful. Perhaps not ideal at LCB or LB, but definitely can do a job.
As we have seen with the Burnley game selection,the level of protection required can fluctuate depending on opponent.
Very good window mate
City are not going to accept a loan... at best the player accepts a pay cut. Cannot see anyone paying his the same salary... whether us, AC Milan or whoever.
No Italian team is paying those wages
Good has to be viewed against how competitive we will be.
VdV would add an option at LB or LCB in a 3.
If we get a cb I believe it's in view of letting Romero goal ( for profit)
Our new captain who has just signed a 4 year deal