Pundit says three Man City players have actually not been as good as they were last season

Redaction Simon Brett with Srinivas Sadhanand
Published on 2024-02-18 12:00:00

Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has stated that Ruben Dias, Kyle Walker, and Manuel Akanji have not been performing at the same level as they did last season. This statement came after a 1-1 draw between Manchester City and Chelsea, in which the defensive trio started.

During the match, Kyle Walker made a notable error that led to Raheem Sterling’s goal. He left Sterling with a lot of space, allowing the Chelsea winger to cut inside and score past Ederson. Leboeuf pointed out that Walker, Akanji, and Dias have not been delivering the same level of performance as they did in the previous season.

Akanji, in particular, has been unable to play in his preferred position as a center-back or even as a makeshift right-back. The Swiss international has been deployed in midfield by Pep Guardiola, leading to questions about his form this season.

While Dias has made a few errors in previous matches, he has been showing signs of improvement in recent weeks. However, Leboeuf remains unconvinced by the performances of the defensive trio.

Leboeuf’s statement raises questions about the consistency and form of the Manchester City defense. He believes that their inability to keep clean sheets is a reflection of their lower performance levels this season.

Despite Leboeuf’s criticism, it is suggested that Ruben Dias’ recent solid performances could inspire his teammates to raise their game. As a leader on the pitch, Dias has the potential to elevate the performance of his defensive colleagues.

In the context of a critical stage in the season, Dias’ leadership could play a crucial role in inspiring his fellow defenders to deliver better performances for Manchester City.

In conclusion, while Leboeuf has raised concerns about the defensive performances of Dias, Walker, and Akanji, there is a suggestion that Dias could influence his teammates and lift their levels. This could be crucial for City as they approach a crucial phase of the season.

Read Original article on Manchester City News