Erik ten Hag has praised one Manchester City player for his performance at Euro 2024 on Sunday.
Ten Hag is currently tuning into the European Championship, with Manchester United’s pre-season tour set to start next month.
In the meantime, the United boss would be hoping that the Netherlands made a good account of themselves at the competition.
On Sunday, several Manchester City players were in action such as Nathan Ake, John Stones, Kyle Walker and Phil Foden.
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Erik ten Hag makes fresh claim about Nathan Ake
Both the Netherlands and England defeated Poland and Serbia respectively by a one-goal margin.
So far, all the major footballing nations who have played their first game at the tournament have won — with Belgium and France set to play their openers on Monday and Portugal scheduled to play on Tuesday.
On Dutch television show NOS Journaal, Erik ten Hag was quizzed about the Netherlands’ standout players in their 2-1 win against Poland — Manchester City’s Ake was one of the names he mentioned.
“[Bart] Verbruggen, [Nathan] Ake, [Cody] Gakpo and of course Wout [Weghorst].”
Erik ten Hag put rivalries aside to praise Nathan Ake
Putting aside the rivalry between the Manchester clubs, Erik ten Hag went out of his way to laud Ake — which is praiseworthy.
As a Dutchman, Ten Hag would have been impressed watching the £41 million man set up Cody Gakpo and Wout Weghorst’s goals.
Additionally, how resolutely Ake defended would have impressed the former Ajax boss — considering he is quite a pragmatic coach.
The Manchester City defender’s display would likely have reminded him of Lisandro Martinez — another versatile centre-back blessed with incredible technique while being resolute defensively.
The Netherlands’ next test is on Friday night as they play the tournament’s arguably favourites, France.
Ake will have to be at his brilliant best to ensure his Dutch side can pull off an upset against Les Bleus — as they would be hoping to top Group D.