6 | Nathan Ake - 2022/23

[ninjamonkey]

Brilliant again. Never gives less than everything for the cause. constantly being swapped around too which effects any player eventually but hasn't put a foot wrong yet at centre back or left back. A certain starter at present, carrying the defence.

I also don't get the criticism of him on the ball, he's more than competent, he's not stones or laporte levels granted but they're the best in the business, he's better than akanji on the ball and he's better than Dias on the ball too who is our weakest in that regard but it goes largely unsaid.

The reason why we are conceding more goals this season isn't as simple as one defender not being as good as another it is primarily down to a combination of an increase in individual errors, a complete lack of intensity in our now almost non-existent front press which allows sides to get out and at an exposed back line far far too easily, we've gone from having say a hard pressing jesus, sterling and foden front 3 to a token press from Haaland Grealish and mahrez. It's night and day and we no longer pin teams in unable to get up the pitch for 20 minute periods. Bernardo not being alongside Rodri is another big factor, the work he did was unreal. A constantly changing back 4 is probably a factor too.

 

[WestGorton]

He gives everything and that is all I can ask. Best defender this season.

 

[skillman]

I’ve been critical in the past - mainly of his decision making - but having him shoved out wide is fine and seems to be working.

He’s fine on the ball there and is always a willing outlet if the winger needs one without the reliance in centre half (arguably up there with Rodri as the most important position on the ball).

Defensively sound and pace to burn as well. Giving my Delph 17/18 vibes in the sense he’s not conventional and free flowing on the ball but he’s exactly what we need there IMO. Providing the rest of the team is showing some creativity.

 

[Charlesfarsbar]

Mr reliable , always puts in a shift and just does his job without any fuss

by far our best option at left back this season

 

[Bluewars]

I’m torn with Ake, I can’t lie. The issue with him is that he’s been one of our best performing defenders for a while now, so has fought his way into the team more regularly. How is that an issue I hear you ask? Because he is not suited to how we want to play. We’re trying to build up and have control with someone who cannot make incisive passes and isn’t very comfortable under pressure. So as good as he is as a defender, I personally don’t see how he suits our style. I don’t blame him, he can’t do much more than what he’s doing. But we are conceding goals regularly since we don’t actually have that much control in games any more. We get that control back with a reliable build up, involving players that are natural in possession and at breaking lines. That allows us to get up the pitch and pin opponents in their half and we can then press high and force errors. It helps both keeping clean sheets and creating chances. Such a defender isn’t Ake. Nor is it Akanji.

Agree, but the only alternative is Cancelo and he is shite.

 

[FromPollockToSilva]

Deserved an assist for that ball over the top that put Haaland in, shame Erling couldn't quite bring it under control before Lloris got out to him

 

[AirbagsOptionalTheReturn]

He was excellent last night. Love his desire and effort

 

[HaalandEffect]

He is slow and often out of possision on the left flank when getting countered.

 

[SJT]

He’s a rock, is Ake.
The LB position would be his, if t’was up to me.

Solid.

 

[David Kloppesh]

Really good today as well