Manuel Akanji brings more value to Inter Milan than Pavard – Lucien Favre on Swiss-Nigerian defender

Lucien Favre has claimed Manuel Akanji is a more suitable fit for Inter Milan than Benjamin Pavard, praising the Swiss defender’s tactical intelligence and composure on the ball.

Born in Neftenbach, Switzerland, to a Nigerian father and Swiss mother, Akanji recently joined Inter Milan on loan from Manchester City for the 2025/26 campaign, with an option to buy.

His arrival coincided with Inter sending Pavard out on loan to Olympique Marseille, a switch Favre believes will benefit the Nerazzurri.

The former Borussia Dortmund manager, who coached Akanji during their time together in the Bundesliga, spoke glowingly about the 30-year-old in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I arrived in Dortmund in the summer of 2018. Akanji had arrived the year before from Basel, so I already knew him. We’re both Swiss. The sporting director told me he’d chosen him for his vision.

“At first, that statement struck me. When you talk about a central defender, the first things people usually talk about are his marking, his anticipation, and his defensive skills.”

Favre stressed Akanji’s unique quality as a defender who can function like a midfielder in possession.

“If I have to sign one, I’ll take Manuel. With him on the pitch, Inter have two tactical weapons. And that’s how (coach Cristian) Chivu can make the difference: (Alessandro) Bastoni and Akanji have the feet of midfielders.

“Manuel is a computer, after all: with the ball at his feet, he always knows what to do and how to feed the strikers. His specialty is breaking down the opposition’s line and creating superiority.”

Akanji’s signing gives Inter both defensive security and creative build-up play, attributes Favre believes make him a stronger asset than Pavard.