Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been full of praise for Nathan Ake following the 4-1 win over Bournemouth at the weekend.
The 28-year-old started against his former club, before being substituted with ten minutes to go, receiving a warm reception from both sets of supporters when he came off. Guardiola paid tribute to the player after the match:
“What a signing in the locker room when he plays or doesn’t play. The applause he got when he was substituted and the guard of honour he has done for himself that means his impact was really good. We are very pleased to have him as a person and as a football player and we are delighted.”
Ake has really turned around his career at the Etihad over the last twelve to eighteen months, and fans on Twitter have been echoing Guardiola’s praise of the player:
Top 5 city players this season
— CTID💎 (@misfermo2) February 26, 2023
Get his new contract sorted
— Blondie (@ClaireMulcahy17) February 26, 2023
best dutch defender in the world
— fennecs (@Billal_Ait) February 26, 2023
What a signing. He is one of the best CBs in EPL.
— Kim (@KimTheChief) February 27, 2023
I cannot forget, how well he defended against Messi, in the World cup quarter final match 🤩
— SAMUEL GEORGE (@casammy) February 27, 2023
Love him
— JohnnySZN (@4midables_mcfc) February 27, 2023
There are reports that a new contract for the Netherlands international is in the works and, considering he was on the cusp of leaving City for Chelsea last summer, it is surprising to see the defender becoming such a pivotal player.
Clearly, Ake’s ability to play multiple positions makes him an ideal squad member. Against the Cherries, he played on the left-hand side of a back three, but he is equally comfortable in a back four or at left-back.