The 21-year-old, currently on loan at Girona, has consistently been seen as a promising talent, and truth be told, he has proven himself in Spain.
Yet, the lingering question has always been whether Couto could ultimately excel at the Etihad Stadium.
Pedro Porro, another skilled right-back signed by Girona in 2017 before his transfer to City in 2019, found himself loaned out to Real Valladolid and Sporting CP before being sold to the latter in 2022.
Despite Porro’s evident talent, showcased in Portugal and later for Tottenham Hotspur, he fell short of meeting the standards for the Sky Blues.
Yan Couto expresses a “dream” to play under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. However, the Brazilian’s situation may differ from that of the Spurs defender, as a report in late January suggested he is seen as the long-term successor to Kyle Walker at City.
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‘It’s not easy to do’… Pundit left so impressed by £180k-a-week Man City player after Brentford win
Michael Brown commended Manuel Akanji for his exceptional performance in Manchester City’s Tuesday night victory over Brentford, which narrowed the gap at the top of the Premier League to just one point. Erling Haaland secured the sole goal of the game at the Etihad Stadium, marking his 17th Premier League goal of the season and extending his scoring streak against every Premier League opponent faced.
Appearing on City’s Matchday Live show on YouTube, former City midfielder Michael Brown expressed his satisfaction with City’s performance, highlighting their patience against a resilient Brentford side that had their entire team behind the ball for most of the game. Despite the challenging defensive setup, Haaland’s second-half goal sealed the win. Brown particularly praised Akanji, who unexpectedly started as a left-back.
Akanji, earning £180,000 per week, is more accustomed to playing in the middle or occasionally on the right, making his left-back role a surprise. As Akanji walked past him towards the tunnel, Brown acknowledged his contribution, saying, “There he is. Played in a left-back position (tonight). It’s not easy to do, stepping forward. His shot as well… he deserved it (man of the match).”
While Haaland dominated headlines with the decisive goal, Akanji’s standout performance in an unusual position did not go unnoticed. Despite his limited experience at left-back, Akanji displayed remarkable comfort in the role, showcasing excellent ball distribution and posing an attacking threat. His long-range shot in the first half and well-placed deliveries demonstrated his versatility.
With solid left-back options like Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake, Akanji’s seamless adaptation to the position adds depth to Pep Guardiola’s choices. The Swiss international’s versatility provides City with a reliable option on the left side of defense.
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Phil Foden now explains why he loves playing as a 10 more than any other position for Man City
Foden has had an exceptional season, stepping up admirably in the absence of crucial teammates. With 18 goals and 10 assists in 42 appearances across various competitions, he has solidified his position as a pivotal player under Pep Guardiola.
The 23-year-old consistently dazzles fans with his technical prowess, showcasing his skills in nearly every match. Notably, Foden’s commendable work ethic hasn’t gone unnoticed.
This season, Foden has frequently operated as a ‘number 10’, a role he openly expresses fondness for. He recently shared why he finds this position particularly enjoyable.
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£15m Man City player was simply outstanding in 1-0 win over Brentford
Manchester City secured a hard-fought victory against Brentford at the Etihad Stadium, closing the gap to just one point behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Despite City’s dominance in possession and numerous chances, they faced a resilient Brentford side that proved difficult to break down, with goalkeeper Mark Flekken thwarting their attempts.
Erling Haaland eventually broke the deadlock, securing the crucial goal for City. The match required patience, as Brentford adopted a defensive approach, camping in their own half for most of the game. Ivan Toney and Frank Onyeka posed occasional threats on the counter, but City’s persistence paid off.
In a game where City’s center-backs found themselves in advanced positions due to Brentford’s deep defensive line, Manuel Akanji, preferred over Nathan Ake on the left, delivered an impressive attacking performance. Akanji, usually a center-back, ventured forward, showcased excellent ball distribution, and tested Flekken with a remarkable curling shot in the first half.
Despite his limited experience in the left-back position, Akanji looked comfortable, completing an outstanding 106 out of 108 passes (98%), making 123 touches (second only to Rodri with 124), and contributing three clearances and two interceptions, according to Sofascore.
Akanji’s commendable performance on the left side, a position he rarely occupies, deserves recognition. While his overall season may not have matched the high standards set in the previous campaign, his adaptability and effectiveness in this role could be a positive sign for City’s future strategies, potentially prompting Pep Guardiola to explore this option more frequently.
