Manuel Akanji

Key strength: Aerial dominance

Defensive anchor

In a season of fluctuating fortunes for Inter Milan, Manuel Akanji remains the unwavering pillar at the heart of their defense. The 30-year-old Swiss centre-back has been an ever-present force, logging over 2,400 minutes across 30 commanding appearances despite the Nerazzurri's erratic DLWLW run in their last five outings. While his return of 1 goal and 0 assists offers modest reading, Akanji's true value lies in his defensive mastery—his solitary yellow card across a grueling campaign speaks volumes of his veteran composure and positional intelligence. Valued at €22 million, he forms one of Serie A's most formidable partnerships alongside Alessandro Bastoni, with his aerial dominance snuffing out danger before it reaches the penalty area. As Inter navigate the pressures of their Scudetto pursuit, Akanji's silent excellence—the calm amid the storm—continues to provide the foundation upon which championship dreams are built.