6 | Nathan Ake - 2022/23

[Gabriel]

100%. The only thing that might save us is that there are very teams that press as well as Liverpool. That being said we need Stones and/or Laporte back sharpish, because if we have to go prolonged periods with Ake in the side people will soon see why he should now be at Chelsea.

Having a proper left-back beside him would help as it would stretch the pitch more and mean the ball could go forward faster, but I agree that his deficiencies will be made manifest if teams squeeze effectively.

 

[OrigamiNinja]

Having a proper left-back beside him would help as it would stretch the pitch more and mean the ball could go forward faster, but I agree that his deficiencies will be made manifest if teams squeeze effectively.

Not so sure. His poor passing is somewhat saved at the min because it is more often than not going to Cancelos favoured right foot. Put a left-footer there instead and I think they are going to struggle receiving it behind them all the time.

 

[Gabriel]

Not so sure. His poor passing is somewhat saved at the min because it is more often than not going to Cancelos favoured right foot. Put a left-footer there instead and I think they are going to struggle receiving it behind them all the time.

He was much better last year when Zinchenko was beside him. A left-footed back can stretch the pitch an extra 5 yards and that makes it harder for the opponent to press.

 

[Mr HJ]

He’s the player opposition teams will be quite happy to funnel possession to and then apply the squeeze.

Seems to be very much a confidence player and improved when he got the diving header back to Ederson in the first half.

Yep - it was noticeable how deep two of our midfield came to start the possession after Ake had dithered or passed it back to Eddie for the umpteenth time. We really need Stones or Laporte because they allow Bernardo and Rodri to get the ball 10-15 yards further forward which then opens passes out wide. Don't want to seem overreacting after a jolly friendly but this is something I've seen a lot with Nathan and whereas we liked the slow, slow build when we have no centre forward, if we carry on with him dictating our play and you may as well bring The Goater back to play up front.

 

[K-Bo]

I think him and Dias doesn’t really work as a pairing

 

[Dax777]

I think him and Dias doesn’t really work as a pairing

Neither is a talented passer

 

[kismet]

Ake is the most popular member of the squad but at 5'10' he isn't tall enough sadly.

His distribution could be better also,

Laporte and Stones are higher quality.

Dias not on it today either, responsible for two of the goals.

 

[Cheadle_hulmeBlue]

Ake is the most popular member of the squad but at 5'10' he isn't tall enough sadly.

His distribution could be better also,

Laporte and Stones are higher quality.

Dias not on it today either, responsible for two of the goals.

Serious? Isn’t tall enough? You don’t have to be tall to be a good centre back.

Cannavaro was immense and is a lot smaller then ake. It’s all about football intelligence and being able to get in the right positions

 

[kismet]

Serious? Isn’t tall enough? You don’t have to be tall to be a good centre back.

Cannavaro was immense and is a lot smaller then ake. It’s all about football intelligence and being able to get in the right positions

There's about an inch difference between the two and Ake is nowhere near the level of Fabio Cannavaro.

He can be outjumped as Konate did to him in the semi last year. Today his distribution was also rather poor. A likeable lad and a good player but he and Dias are not the partnership that will win us the Prem, in fact Dias was culpable for two of the goals today.

It shows us the role Laporte played last year, top in the air, superb distribution and played through the pain barrier.

Ake is a great back up/reserve for Laporte. We won't win the league with an Ake/Dias partnership

 

[kun]

There's about an inch difference between the two and Ake is nowhere near the level of Fabio Cannavaro.

He can be outjumped as Konate did to him in the semi last year. Today his distribution was also rather poor. A likeable lad and a good player but he and Dias are not the partnership that will win us the Prem, in fact Dias was culpable for two of the goals today.

It shows us the role Laporte played last year, top in the air, superb distribution and played through the pain barrier.

Ake is a great back up/reserve for Laporte. We won't win the league with an Ake/Dias partnership

Aké is fantastic in the air. I don't care if he's 5'11 his jumping reach is top drawer.