As the Netherlands beat Poland 2-1 on Sunday, Nathan Ake has done something no other player has at Euro 2024.
Ake started at left-back for Ronald Koeman’s side in a backline featuring Denzel Dumfries, Stefan de Vrij and Virgil van Dijk.
The Polish drew first blood, with Adam Buksa opening the scoring with a brilliant header.
However, the Dutch equalised in the 29th minute, courtesy of Cody Gakpo’s deflected strike — assisted by Manchester City’s number six, who intercepted a clearance, letting the Liverpool winger drive with the ball and find the back of the net.
Stat emerges that shows different side of Nathan Ake at Euro 2024
Koeman’s side could have been leading at half-time, if not for their profligacy in front of goal. But eventually, Wout Weghorst got on the end of Ake’s deflected pass to score a late winner.
However, the Dutch showcased why they should be viewed as dark horses to win the competition.
One player who stood out for the Netherlands against Poland was Ake, who became the first player at Euro 2024 to record as many as four key passes in the first-half of a game — as per Sofascore.
A key pass is defined as a pass that leads to another player taking a shot at goal.
Nathan Ake could have had multiple assists
Ake had a blinder for the Netherlands against Poland, creating multiple chances on the day.
The 29-year-old played a perfect cutback to Cody Gakpo later in the first half, which the former PSV Eindhoven forward skied.
Right before half-time, Ake played a wonderful lofted pass to Memphis Depay, who also failed to convert the gilt-edged opportunity.
Despite being a natural centre-back, the treble-winner showcased that he has the potential to become a quality attacking left-back.
Ake’s desire to elevate his game coupled with how much he has improved as a player under Pep Guardiola seems to have led to him becoming the archetypal modern-day defender, as exemplified by his display on Sunday.