Manchester City Loanee Cements Himself As One Of Serie A’s Top Passers At Inter Milan | OneFootball

Manuel Akanji has established himself as one of Serie A’s most productive ball-playing defenders in his debut season at Inter Milan, with a passing statistic that underlines just how integral the Manchester City loanee has become to Cristian Chivu’s system.

The Swiss centre-back has completed 1,448 passes in Serie A so far this season, as noted by FCInterNews.

Indeed, the second highest tally among defenders in the division.

Only Como’s Jacobo Ramon edges him out, with 1,487.

It is a remarkable figure that speaks to Akanji’s composure on the ball and his role as a key outlet from the back in Inter’s build-up play.

Akanji Lights Up Serie A With Inter

MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 20: Manuel Akanji during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Arsenal FC at Stadio San Siro on January 20, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

There is also an unexpected goal threat emerging.

Akanji has scored in each of Inter’s last two away league games, against Sassuolo and Lecce, having previously netted just once in 111 away matches across Europe’s top five leagues.

It is a striking turnaround that adds another dimension to his game at exactly the right moment in the season.