Tribal Football
·18 October 2021
Tribal Football
·18 October 2021
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has heaped praise on versatile defender Nathan Ake.
The Dutchman is a bit part player at City since arriving at the start of last season.
However, Ake has shown a propensity to fill in at centre-back or left-back when necessary.
Ake was outstanding for City in their 2-0 win over Burnley on Saturday in the Premier League.
"Nathan is an alternative (at left-back). He is not a left-back to do overlaps…he is not just this type of guy," Guardiola said at his post-match press conference.
"But he is so focused, so concentrated. He is an intelligent guy and on Saturday our build-up was with three at the back with Aymer more in the centre and John more on the right. It suited us perfectly.
"Against a team like Burnley, they are strong in the air and at set pieces and corners and it helped to have a player Nathan alongside John, Aymer and Rodri then Ferna in the last few minutes.
"He's a joy to have him - Nathan is a great guy.
"He always trains well and is loved by the team. This type of person when I can give them minutes, I am really pleased for them."