Akanji steals the show as Man City have fun-filled Champions League training - in pictures

Defender has fitted in seamlessly in central defence and as a reliable right-back

From left - Manchester City's Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish during training on the eve of their Champions League match against FC Copenhagen. AFP

Manchester City's Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, Aymeric Laporte, Manuel Akanji and Erling Haaland during training at Etihad Campus. Reuters

Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, centre, and Erling Haaland during training on Monday. AFP

Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo is tackled by his teammates during training. AFP

Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden during a training session at the City Football Academy. PA

Manchester City train for Tuesday's Champions League clash against Copenhagen. PA

Erling Haaland, Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden and Joao Cancelo during training. PA

Erling Haaland, Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden and Joao Cancelo train on Monday. AFP

Manchester City's Erling Haaland, Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish and Ilkay Gundogan have a laugh during a training session at the City Football Academy. PA

Kevin De Bruyne laughs with Jack Grealish during training. AFP

Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva enjoy their training session. AFP

Manchester City's Joao Cancelo and team-mates during training. Reuters

Manchester City's summer signing is making waves and is already being labelled by some as one of the best deals in football. While all the spotlight is on star striker Erling Haaland, manager Pep Guardiola believes City have also struck gold with their other summer deal with Borussia Dortmund – Manuel Akanji.

The Swiss international has settled quickly since his deadline-day move to the Etihad Stadium, firstly slotting seamlessly into central defence. He then showed his versatility with an accomplished performance filling in for the injured Kyle Walker at right-back in Saturday's 4-0 Premier League win against Southampton.

“The club made an incredible decision with him,” said Guardiola.

“There are players you have to explain to 10 times what you are thinking, what you want him to do. This guy, we did it in just one training session. Just tell him, and he got it.

“The movement you have to do as a full-back, the high pressing, it was a little bit scary as he hadn't proved he could do it before.

“But he did it perfectly. Defending the crosses he didn't miss once, absolutely perfect, and with the ball he's a magnificent player.

“It proves again, intelligent people always pay off. Manu has made a huge impact since he arrived. It's a gift for a manager, a gift. We were lucky to get him.”

A testament to Akanji's performance so far is the fact that he is yet to be dribbled past this season as a City player.

The mood was understandably relaxed during training on Monday as Manchester City prepared for Tuesday's Champions League clash with Copenhagen.

Guardiola's team will have fond memories from their last match with City winning 5-0, thanks in part to a brace from Haaland.

However, City are again set to be without defender John Stones. He suffered a hamstring injury on England duty last month and, although the problem is not thought too serious, the centre-back has not yet returned to training.

Right-back Kyle Walker (abdominal) and midfielder Kalvin Phillips (shoulder) also remain on the sidelines.