6 | Nathan Ake - 2022/23

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I prefer having fullbacks first and foremost be rock solid defenders and Ake has that in spades.

What I also like is lately you can see his read of when he is allowed to go up is alot better, and how to support the attack.

He had one game a couple months ago where he pushed up without thinking and we got exposed down his side, but he is alot smarter about it ( or the team adjust better when he does it )
 
I can't believe it was his first yellow of the season, he covers about a third of the pitch by himself.
 
WallyA said:
I prefer having fullbacks first and foremost be rock solid defenders and Ake has that in spades.

What I also like is lately you can see his read of when he is allowed to go up is alot better, and how to support the attack.

He had one game a couple months ago where he pushed up without thinking and we got exposed down his side, but he is alot smarter about it ( or the team adjust better when he does it )
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He's also more predictable (in a good way!) when he supports the attack than Cancelo ever was. Grealish especially benefits from Aké in that role because he knows where Nathan is going to be in any given situation. It's actual support
 
Having the season of his life, brilliant again today. Fast becoming one of our most important players.
 
He’s so good it makes me feel bad we’re linked to gvardiol.

I hope he’s here until he’s 35. Great defender, seems like a great guy.
 
First booking of the season and he didn’t even do anything wrong!

Getting more and more confident with his feet too.
 
kippaxchris said:
Magnificent player, if Haaland hadn't scored 27 goals he'd be our player of the season.
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I don't see why he wouldn't be. His defensive blocks, tackles and authority has probably saved as many goals as Haaland has scored.
Haaland is an individual phenomenon. Ake is a genuine team player.
 
I'll start by saying I really like him as a person and player and he's doing a hell of a job at left-back despite being a center back but I do feel like the praise is a bit over the top.
 
Brilliant again! A vital challenge to keep it 1-0. I even think his forward passing is improving.

With Rodri, he’s been our best player this season.
 
Psychedelic Casual said:
Brilliant again! A vital challenge to keep it 1-0. I even think his forward passing is improving.

With Rodri, he’s been our best player this season.
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This is a good observation. It's his obvious improvement that is key to everything we do. At first, he was really a blocker in that position with no forward impetus. Now, his forward running and passing is so much better. I just want to see him continue to improve and work hard at his game. I think he may well end up being the best of our makeshift left-backs from the last 5 years.
 
Remember after his first season? There were plenty on here discussing the possibility of the club moving him on. Think Grealish had the same "problem". And, IIRC, Rodri also had an underwhelming first season with us. There's a lesson to be learned re giving players time to adapt to playing under Fraudi Pep.
 
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