Manchester City have the best one-v-one defender in the world, says Oscar Bobb

Oscar Bobb has stated that Manchester City possess the ‘best one-v-one defender’ in the world, speaking during a recent short documentary feature.

Much of Pep Guardiola’s success over the last two seasons in particular has been built off the back of strength within the club’s rearguard, having secured the services of some of the best and most versatile defensive options within the game.

Players’ abilities to operate in numerous positions across the defence, as well as Guardiola’s tactical reshuffle and utilising of full-backs within defensive midfield, has led to the club winning six titles in two seasons.

Much of Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League success in 2022/23 was also built on a strong defensive unit, with John Stones inspiring the squad through his performances in midfield, as well as Manuel Akanji’s ability to operate at left-back.

But one player who has gone from strength to strength despite a difficult start to life at Manchester City is Nathan Ake, and the Dutchman has been at the centre of exceptional praise from one Etihad Stadium teammate this week.

Speaking to Rising Ballers this week as part of an inside look into his daily routine at the City Football Academy, Oscar Bobb was quizzed on which player ‘challenges him the most’ on the training ground and with Manchester City.

“I’d say, well as an attacking player, it’s tough to come up against certain defenders, so I’d say Nathan (Ake),” Bobb explained. “He’s probably the best one-v-one defender I’ve seen.”

Oscar Bobb is certainly one player who knows the capabilities of defenders in one-versus-one situations, having showcased his talents in such scenarios throughout the course of Manchester City’s pre-season and into their first competitive game of the campaign.

The Norwegian international made a mockery of defences throughout the club’s four-game schedule in the United States last month and into August, before highlighting his dribbling prowess in the Community Shield on Saturday afternoon.

Nathan Ake returned to Manchester City duties following his summer holiday’s alongside a number of other first-team players last Tuesday, taking on board his first minutes via a substitute appearance at Wembley against Manchester United on Saturday afternoon.