Nathan Ake has claimed that there is a certain Manchester City wonderkid who has several attributes he would love to add to his game.
Ake is already one of the best centre-backs in the world and since last season, he has largely been splendid for City.
In some ways, the Dutchman has as close to a flawless profile for a defender.
Manchester City’s number six is one of the few centre-halves in Europe who is equally adept at defending inside the box as well as out wide; a trait that makes him somewhat of a special player.
During his first few years at the Etihad Stadium, one could perhaps question whether Ake had the quality in possession to qualify as a central defender for City.
However, to even pose that question nowadays would be blasphemous.
Ake says City have a defender who has several traits he’d love to have
The former Bournemouth colossus is terrific with the ball at his feet and his mistake in City’s 1-1 draw against Liverpool that led to his side conceding a penalty was a rare one from him in possession.
In terms of Ake’s frame as well, he is an absolute unit.
Nathan Ake is built like Kyle Walker, where he is broad enough to dominate duels but not to the extent that he finds it a struggle to cover large distances when he sprints backwards towards goal, which helps especially when he is played as a left-back.
One could argue that the three-time Premier League winner is one of the most athletic centre-backs in Europe.
However, no player is perfect.
Ake must be aware of his deficiencies more than any player or manager he has worked with.
When quizzed about which one of Rico Lewis’ attributes he would like to add to his game, Nathan Ake named many.
“A lot. The ability to play in tight spaces, his control with the ball, defending, he’s very good as well, attacking, he can play different positions, he’s everywhere, even number 10, right-back, holding”, he told Sky Sports.
Rico Lewis has traits not many defenders have, even Nathan Ake
One can understand why Rico Lewis’ traits in possession are what Nathan Ake has gravitated towards in his answer.
The Englishman is simply far too technically gifted for a defender; to the extent that much like in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s case, many might advocate for him to move into midfield in the future.
As a result, Nathan Ake is aware that if he was as brilliant in possession as Rico Lewis was, he would improve tenfold.
Immense credit must be afforded to Lewis for his development and for Ake to be open about his desire to add his teammate’s traits to his arsenal, despite him being a young player.
Manchester City have a special talent on their hands in Rico Lewis and apart from Nathan Ake, several of his defensive colleagues must be aware of that.
