Why Nathan Ake Is The Apparent Favourite To Displace Gary Cahill In Chelsea’s Central Defence Next Season.

“Nathan deserves all the pundits he’s getting at the moment and I’ve no doubt that next year he’ll go back to Chelsea and play in their side.”
“I personally feel he’s more than good enough, especially with the system (three at the back) they’re playing now,” was the statement made by Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter when asked his views on Nathan Ake.
It is not surprising to hear someone lavish this kind of praise on the 21-year-old who has been ever present in the Bournemouth defence since making his debut in November given the impressive form of the defender who is the highest goal scoring defender in the league alongside Sunderland’s Patrick Van Aanholt (three goals). Ake had moved to Eddie Howe’s South Coast club in the summer after equalling impressing at Watford last season scoring once in 28 league games, 24 of them starts. This season, Ake took time to adapt to Howe’s high energetic style but has blossomed into one of the best in the league even with his short time in the field of play. The 21-year-old has an 81% tackle success rate having made two blocks, nine interceptions, 56 clearances, 32 recoveries, winning 31 of his duels (lost 20) without getting any caution (yellow and red) helping Bournemouth to two clean sheets with 14 goals conceded in his 11 games this season.
“I don’t know what’s happening with Nathan Ake at the moment, he can’t miss anything especially with his head,” were the words of Thierry Henry last week after the defender opened the scoring in the 2-1 loss to Southampton.
Given 3-4-3 formation employed by Antonio Conte in Chelsea, Ake will fit perfectly on the left side of defence with Marcus Alonso ahead of him and David Luiz beside him on the right. With Gary Cahill finding it difficult to build up play from the left as well as struggling to maintain possession when given a pass although he has performed admirably well when one on one with attackers this season, it remains to be seen if the former Bolton Wanderers captain will be picked ahead of Ake next summer when the Dutchman returns from loan. Possessing a delicate left foot and able to play in any position in midfield and defence, Ake appears Conte’s missing jigsaw to complete the defensive pairing next season given his ability to defend and push forward to create chance and space for his attacking team mates when opponents come to stop him from going further. Although he isn’t physically built like modern defenders, the Dutchman compensates with his technical ability, good work ethnic as well
as professionalism which has seen him win the Young Player of the Year Award in Chelsea and Watford.
For now, Ake is good enough to mix it with the best in Chelsea and must not be judged by his tender age as he has demonstrated over the years with his top quality performances.
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