'Haaland has everything - and he is only going to get better', says Ake | OneFootball

Icon: Manchester City F.C.

Manchester City F.C.

·12 August 2022

'Haaland has everything - and he is only going to get better', says Ake

Article image:'Haaland has everything - and he is only going to get better', says Ake

Nathan Ake believes there is even more to come from Erling Haaland and hailed City’s summer signing as a player with ‘everything’.

The Norwegian striker is one of four exciting additions to Pep Guardiola's squad with Julian Alvarez, Kalvin Philips and Stefan Ortega Moreno also bolstering our ranks over the close season.


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Haaland made an immediate impact on his Premier League debut last weekend, scoring both goals in an impressive 2-0 win away at West Ham in our opening match of the 2022/23 campaign.

Training and working alongside Haaland every day has helped provide Ake with a first hand view on the 22-year-old’s outstanding ability.

And he is no doubt that Haaland’s many qualities will only add further lustre to City’s many attacking options.

“It is just a great addition for the team,” the Dutch central defender asserted.

“For me, he has everything. I think over time he will only get better for sure.

“I don’t have to tell you how good he is. I think he showed that at the weekend already. He is a goal scorer, he is fast, strong and powerful, but also very good with his feet.

“It is difficult and such a good challenge in training sessions. When you want to go diagonal, he runs in behind because he is so fast, but when you give him space, he can come to the ball

“It is a tough proposition, but it is good to face this every day.

“He is also very smart. He knows what runs to make and when he needs to he will use his body, his strength and his power.

“But he has also got this other side of knowing when to make the run and movement, little touches and spinning.

“He is very explosive and the first few yards are very quick. I think after that he can be even quicker on long distance.

“That gives us a weapon as well because sometimes we can play balls in behind with the space, but also into feet to link up play.”

City welcome newly promoted Bournemouth to the Etihad on Saturday as we play our first home match of the new season.

For Ake it will be a chance to renew acquaintances with the Club he served with such distinction between 2017 and 2020 before subsequently making the move to City.

Scott Parker’s side enjoyed a fine start to the new season, beating Aston Villa 2-0 at the Vitality Stadium in last weekend’s league opener and Ake says the Cherries will present a stern challenge.

“They will be tough opposition to play against, even when we play at home, but we are ready to go,” Ake added.

“It is very difficult to play at [the Vitality Stadium]. I have played there myself as opposition and I have noticed not a lot of teams like to go there.

“The stadium is very small, compact and they always make it very difficult for you.

“It will be good to see them again. There has been lots of change since I was there to be fair, the manager is different and a lot of the stuff is different.

"It will be different, but it will be good to see some familiar faces. I follow them when I can and also it was good to see them go up. I knew this day would come that I would face them again. I am looking forward to it.

"Some of them I still keep in contact with. Dominic Solanke is there and he was at my wedding so it will be good to see him as well. I will see him after the game.”

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