“I’m dazzled” – Paul Ince Names The Player He Can’t Believe Inter Have Actually Signed

Inter cult hero Paul Ince has spoken highly about Nerazzurri summer signing Manuel Akanji ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League meeting with Liverpool.

Paul Ince shocked by Manchester City selling Manuel Akanji to Inter

The Switzerland international swapped Manchester City for Inter in the latter stages of the summer transfer window.

Akanji linked up with the Nerazzurri on a loan deal with an obligation to buy if Cristian Chivu’s charges win Serie A.

The 30-year-old has hit the ground running at Inter, becoming an integral part of the side’s defence.

Indeed, Akanji’s efforts have helped Inter become contenders for the Scudetto, as they sit just one point off the summit.

Ince was eager to sing Akanji’s praises ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash between Inter and Liverpool, hailing him as a “fantastic” acquisition.

“I really love Akanji, a fantastic signing. I still wonder why Manchester City let him go,” Ince told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Every time I see him, I’m dazzled. He seems like a top-notch defender, elegant, physically strong, and good at setting up plays.”

Akanji was a regular for Man City last season, making 40 appearances in all competitions.

However, Pep Guardiola deemed him surplus to requirements, and so the defender had to leave in order to play.

It was made clear to Akanji that he had dropped behind Ruben Dias, John Stones, Josko Gvardiol, Nathan Ake and Abdukodir Khusanov in the centre-back pecking order.

Akanji is reported to be available – following a bout of fever – for the meeting with Liverpool, which will see Mohamed Salah miss out.

Salah was omitted from the squad in the wake of his bombshell interview after the 3-3 draw with Leeds on Saturday.

Other Inter players who have impressed Paul Ince

Ince showed plenty of love to several other Inter players in the Gazzetta interview.

Federico Dimarco, Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram and Ange-Yoan Bonny were praised alongside Akanji.

“Dimarco is the best this season; you’ll always get pace, crossing ability, and intensity from him,” Ince continued.

“Up front, Lautaro is one of the world’s top strikers, and Thuram brings depth, physicality, and intelligent movement in the box.

“But I also really like Bonny, who can come on from the bench and score.

“In short, Inter have it all: defensive quality, team structure, attacking solutions. But the battle is won in midfield: the team that dominates the midfield will win.”

Paul Ince’s one wish for Nicolo Barella

When asked which player reminds Ince of himself, he suggested Nicolo Barella was just as passionate on the pitch.

However, Ince also had a wish regarding Barella – namely that he ought to be scoring more often.

Ince said: “Calhanoglu gives the order, but perhaps the one who plays with the same passion as me is Barella.

“Technically very strong, he runs tirelessly, he works both defensively and offensively, he gets into the box, he tries. I’d just like to see him score more often.”