Who is the best centre-back in Bundesliga? Dortmund's Manuel Akanji vs Leipzig's Willi Orban

Who is the best centre-back in each of Europe’s top five leagues?

Well, to answer, we’re going to break down two of the best from each of the divisions to gain measure of just who is the standout star.

In this edition, we look at the Bundesliga and it’s Borussia Dortmund’s slick Manuel Akanji versus RB Leipzig’s powerful Willi Orban.

STATISTICS [2018/19 Bundesliga]

AKANJI

Minutes – 1126

Tackles – 10

Interceptions – 17

Clearances – 48

Pass success – 92%

Aerials won – 23

ORBAN

Minutes – 1141

Tackles – 22

Interceptions – 22

Clearances – 66

Pass success – 77.5%

Aerials won – 68

PHYSICAL TRAITS

Akanji’s physical attributes are hardly surprising given he hails from a family of athletes. At 6ft 1in and 85 kilos, his is a formidable frame. Quick along the turf, he’s rarely second best in a foot race while he’s usually able to outmuscle or leap higher than his opponents. In terms of physique, Orban is Akanji’s equal and athleticism runs in his family as well. His father was a junior karate champion in Hungary which makes sense given the centre-back’s combative style.

The RB Leipzig defender is not fleet of foot like his counterpart but makes up for pace in sheer power and aggression. Akanji’s passing is clearly superior as the Swiss defender is renowned for his switches of play that is especially aided by his ability with both feet. His impressive speed and composure in possession also enables him to carry the ball out from the back. Orban on the other hand is focused more on clearing the danger and is a more effective ball winner than Akanji, averaging twice as many tackles per game.

POSITIONING 

Technically and tactically, Akanji is proficient – above average for his age even – but there’s still room for improvement. Dortmund’s style of play has seen him grow comfortable in holding a high defensive line in possession. Rather than dive into a challenge or snap at the heels of an attacker, Akanji has mastered the art of keeping his man facing away from goal and ushering them away from a potentially threatening position. While he’s able to match forwards for pace, he’s slow to pump the brakes.

He doesn’t boast the agility to keep up with elite dribblers and that’s where his positioning in one-on-ones demands improvement. Orban is wholly committed as a defender but also maintains his concentration well, picking up runners and assessing danger quickly. Leipzig’s counter-pressing style suits his natural game as he is naturally proactive and defends on the front foot. He invariably guards the right spaces when defending crosses as well but his aggressive nature can see him get drawn to the ball, leaving space in behind and disrupting his side’s defensive shape.

MENTALITY 

Both players are supremely confident individuals and strong characters. Akanji tore his cruciate ligament early in his Basel career and while that ruled him out for nine months, he came back stronger than ever as a pivotal player. The 23-year-old even sports a tattoo on his left forearm that reads, ‘Prove them wrong’. “This saying has been a motto of mine for a long time,” Akanji explained, as quoted by the Bundesliga’s official website. “I had the tattoo done when I was injured as at times it wasn’t clear if I would ever fully heal.”

Orban isn’t lacking in fighting spirit either. The 26-year-old never shies away from a challenge. He’s also a natural leader and a commanding presence which is why he first started sporting the captain’s armband sporadically at Leipzig at just 23 before eventually being handed the responsibility full-time.

VERDICT

In terms of performance, standard of play and effectiveness, the two Bundesliga defenders are neck and neck. Orban is further along in his development and in the process of perfecting his trade but Akanji has more in his repertoire and could aspire to a higher level. There’s little to choose between them now and the Hungarian may have more experience on his side.

With some improvement in key areas though, Akanji could soon be the clear winner in this particular matchup. He has the natural ability to develop into one of the best centre-backs in the world.