Nathan Ake believes a certain Manchester City defender could be quite useful as a striker for them.
It would be no surprise if defenders fancied themselves to score goals up front.
Ultimately, the job of a number nine, like Erling Haaland is seen as one where a player can get away with making more mistakes.
At the end of the day, a striker will get criticised when they miss chances.
But if they redeem themselves by putting the ball in the back of the net, their praises will be sung, especially when they do so for a big club like City.
Unfortunately, defenders are not afforded the same privileges.
Ake says Man City defender could be quite a handy striker
Once a defender makes a mistake, the world is often on their back.
The player in question is viewed as a potential liability to their team.
Even if the defender manages to have a solid outing after their error.
As a result, defenders are often harshly judged.
Much like how goalkeepers often get torn to shreds by fans and pundits alike for making the odd mistake.
That has been the name of the game from its very outset it seems.
But when Rico Lewis asked Nathan Ake on Sky Sports how many Premier League goals he would score if he played for Manchester City as a striker, he replied, “You can score, striker, you know. Fox in the box. 13.”
In the same interview, Rico Lewis had backed Nathan Ake to score 15 Premier League goals in one full season for Manchester City.
However, Ake was mystified byLewis’ claim, questioning if his teammates thinks he is a “top Premier League striker.”
Rico Lewis could do well as a false nine
One doubts whether Rico Lewis would even score 13 goals in a season as an out-and-out number nine, despite Nathan Ake saying so.
Manchester City’s number 82 lacks the physicality, both in terms of his pace and his stature to give defenders a hard time.
But as a false nine, Rico Lewis could be quite handy.
The 19-year-old has the technical ability to roam across the pitch and get on the ball as well as the intelligence to understand which positions to pick up and make space for others; traits that are difficult to master as a false nine.
Whilst playing in such a role as well, whether Rico Lewis would score 13 Premier League goals, as Nathan Ake stated is still a question mark.
But Lewis’ technical and tactical acumen can never be doubted but one doubts he will play as a false nine for his boyhood club anytime soon.