Brian Brobbey has revealed what Nathan Ake is like behind the scenes.
Ake is one of the Netherlands’ most important players heading into Euro 2024.
Ronald Koeman’s side kick off their tournament with their upcoming contest against Poland on Sunday.
Alongside the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Matthijs de Ligt and Micky van der Ven, the £41 million man is a key cog of the Dutch national team’s biggest strength: their defence.
Brian Brobbey makes fresh claim about “fabulous” Nathan Ake
As one of the world’s best defenders, the Manchester City centre-back will be expected to live up to the billing at the European Championship.
The 29-year-old is one of his team’s most experienced players, having played at the top level for years and won every single trophy there is to win in club football at the Etihad Stadium.
But as a character, what Ake is well and truly like has been revealed by his Dutch teammate Brian Brobbey.
As quoted by the Sunday Mirror (page 72, 16/06/2024), Brobbey said: “Nathan Ake is fabulous, really an incredibly sweet boy. He doesn’t hurt a fly and I’ve never seen him get angry either.”
“He talks to everyone all evening long. And the way he talks, you know everything is genuine. And the way he talks, I’m sure all the Dutch players like him tremendously.”
An indicator of the brilliant character Nathan Ake is
As Brobbey has explained, it seems like Ake, while always being a positive presence in the Dutch dressing room is also a leader.
The fact that the treble-winner always finds the right to speak to young players like Brobbey, 22, is an insight into his humility.
Having been a highly-rated youngster himself at one point, the former Chelsea defender seems keen to help other such prospects.
Ake also seems to be willing to make the highly competitive environment at the top level as comfortable and positive for his teammates.
Instead of barking instructions or intimidating others, the Dutchman’s mantra is seemingly to lead by example.
Ake has certainly done that every time he has represented his country, emerging as one of their most consistent players while being a mainstay at Manchester City.
