6 | Nathan Ake - 2025/26

Before yesterday, Aké had only played 202 minutes out of a possible 900 this season. 90 of those were against Huddersfield where he would have had more difficult games in training at 75% effort.

Yesterday was the only other time he’s competed 90 minutes this season.

Can see why he looked rusty. In form, he’s our best 1on1 defender. Just needs to settle into the season.

Much like most of the team, was much better second half.
 
Put us right in the shit by passing straight to an Everton player under no pressure to create the chance Beto really should have scored from.
As others have said he's rusty through coming back from yet another injury. I'd expect him to be gone when his contract ends.
 
Put us right in the shit by passing straight to an Everton player under no pressure to create the chance Beto really should have scored from.
As others have said he's rusty through coming back from yet another injury. I'd expect him to be gone when his contract ends.
So do I but that's 2027, wouldn't be surprised if he's our 4th centre back next season,and if he stays fit to get fairly regular minutes that's okay.
 
So do I but that's 2027, wouldn't be surprised if he's our 4th centre back next season,and if he stays fit to get fairly regular minutes that's okay.

If he stays reasonably fit we might let him go before then if we get an offer.
 
I focused on Ake's play quite a bit on Saturday, especially after that early misplaced pass which nearly cost us (he read it completely wrong). What struck me was how often he was actually on the ball, probably more than any of the other defenders, but his overall distribution and decision making were really poor.
Given we’ve lost Ederson and can’t rely on Stones to stay fit, we badly need a central defender who’s comfortable on the ball and can start attacks. Ake’s been a good servant, but at this stage I think it’s clear he’s not the right fit for how we’re trying to play. Unfortunately, it might be time to move him on.
 
I focused on Ake's play quite a bit on Saturday, especially after that early misplaced pass which nearly cost us (he read it completely wrong). What struck me was how often he was actually on the ball, probably more than any of the other defenders, but his overall distribution and decision making were really poor.
Given we’ve lost Ederson and can’t rely on Stones to stay fit, we badly need a central defender who’s comfortable on the ball and can start attacks. Ake’s been a good servant, but at this stage I think it’s clear he’s not the right fit for how we’re trying to play. Unfortunately, it might be time to move him on.
Opposition usually leaves Dias with the time on the ball - remember Lescott used to have high passing stats. Ake usually much better on the ball, I'm hoping it's rustiness and he gets back to something close to his best, but he wasn't great at the weekend
 

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