I think too many overestimate Ake's speed. Ake is a fantastic defender. But he is slow as hell. He takes great positions and great angles to the ball. But in a foot race its like he is on slow motion. He does his best to not get into those situations. Credit to him for that. But he is ultra-slow.
Stones is actually quick for a Center back. I mean, if you've seen Rico chase down Salah before then you've seen him at top speed. What's really the question here? You think Ake can chase down Salah on his best day?
Let me be clear, as many seem confused... Ake is a far better defender than most. But he is NOT faster than many.
In the Champions League, which collates top speed. The fastest for Ake is 30.8 top speed for Rico its 32.2. Granted this is not decisive. As it could be the case that Ake has never needed to run as fast as he could. As a matter of fact, im almost certain that's the case. Ake hates being in a foot race, so he plays in a way that almost always avoid it.
But the few times his found himself in a foot race it was obvious why he avoids them. He is discerningly slow.
The fact that he is slow on his best day and now he is 30 just tell me there is no condition in which he is faster than Rico. ZERO!!!
No one is confused and it's patronising to suggest that. Honestly have no idea why you are characterising Aké as a fucking tanker though, when recovery pace (when fit) has always been one of his strengths, alongside positioning/duelling etc. You've picked stats from this season's CL, and tbh it's impressive Aké managed that pace with his injuries. As we are cherry picking, here's his pace from 22/23. Will he hit that again, possibly not but I'm not having the idea that he is or has always been ultraslow. It's nonsense.
