Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji Compares Teammate John Stones to Maradona after Champions League Triumph

Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji has likened teammate John Stones to football legend Diego Maradona, following the team’s Champions League victory on Saturday. The win against Inter Milan completed a historic Treble for the club, with Stones playing a vital role in the 1-0 European showcase final in Istanbul.

The England international’s performance improved significantly towards the end of the season. Manager Pep Guardiola capitalized on this by deploying Stones in a new roving role, allowing him to maintain his defensive duties while also stepping into midfield to direct play when City dominated possession.

Akanji, a fellow defender, lauded Stones’ display, stating, “The way he dribbled, he played like Maradona. He just took the ball, went past three people, passed it somewhere else. He created a lot of opportunities for us. He is an unbelievable player.”

Entering the Ataturk Olympic Stadium as strong favorites, Manchester City had already clinched the Premier League title and the FA Cup. Despite facing staunch opposition from Inter, a decisive 68th-minute goal from Rodri secured their Champions League triumph.

Swiss player Akanji conceded that the final was challenging, but City’s collective defense held firm against Inter’s efforts to equalize. “It didn’t really work the way we planned it in the first half. I think we came out better in the second half and we scored a goal,” he explained.

Akanji, who signed from Borussia Dortmund last summer, recognized that grasping the enormity of winning the Treble might take some time. “We won the treble this year and that’s all that matters, but I am still trying to realize it. Day by day it will get better,” the 27-year-old said.