In Focus: Underrated Ake may be key to City's title hopes

Nathan Ake could be key to Manchester City’s hopes of retaining their Premier League title. 

The defender often flies under the radar but has proved himself to be an important member of the Citizens’ squad this season. 

Playing a starring role in last weekend’s FA Cup victory over Arsenal, Ake's match-winning goal perfectly summed up the surprisingly influential campaign he is enjoying in the North West.

Ahead of City's clash with Tottenham this afternoon, we take a look at the underrated Dutchman’s qualities in closer detail.

Pep’s praise

City manager Pep Guardiola was effusive in his praise of Ake following the 1-0 triumph against Arsenal, highlighting how well his No6 marshalled Bukayo Saka. 

He said: "What a season [Ake] is playing. He controlled one of the toughest opponents in the Premier League because Saka is in an incredible moment. 

"He is really good in the duels in the box, defending the far post and set pieces is an extra bonus. 

"He is an exceptional guy. There was a period where he didn't play and he never complained once."

Breaking into the team

Since Ake arrived at the Etihad Stadium from Bournemouth, he has largely been a bit-part player. 

He failed to break the 1,000-minute mark in the Premier League during each of his first two seasons at the club. 

This term, however, he appears to have cemented himself in Guardiola's first-choice XI.

The 27-year-old started just seven of City’s first 14 league games but has since been included from the first whistle in five of their last six, establishing himself as a dependable figure for his Spanish boss.

Left-sided versatility

Ake was primarily bought to offer cover and competition for the only naturally left-footed centre-back in City’s squad — Aymeric Laporte. 

However, the Hague native’s versatility means he is also an option at left-back, which has quickly become a problem area for Guardiola in recent weeks.

The Catalan tactician’s falling out with star full-back Joao Cancelo has resulted in the Portuguese’s departure to Bayern Munich, leaving Sergio Gomez as the only remaining natural left-back at the club with Oleksandr Zinchenko having moved to Arsenal last summer. 

However, the Spaniard has not been seen in the Premier League since a 20-minute cameo against Southampton in October and is clearly not yet trusted. 

As a result, Ake will likely be the man asked to step up and fill the void going forward.

Influence from deep

Ake is not among the eye-catching star names in City’s illustrious ranks — not even in their defensive stable. 

However, there is no denying his influence on games when he is on the pitch, whether that be at left-back or in the centre of defence. 

The 34-cap Oranje international averages 101.9 touches per 90 minutes in the Premier League — the third-highest total in the division. 

As City work the ball from back to front and around opponents, Ake dutifully plays his part and does so with a quality that has earned Guardiola’s trust.

Pass-master

As is expected from any defender who wishes to feature regularly under Guardiola, Ake is accomplished at playing the ball to his team-mates. 

Per 90 minutes in the Premier League, he ranks fourth for passes attempted (89.16) and completed (82.32). 

The versatile defender also boasts the fourth-best pass accuracy in the league — an astonishingly high 92.33%, given the volume of passes he plays. 

Guardiola has shown a penchant for utilising inverted full-backs and Ake possesses all the qualities to perform that role perfectly, tucking in from the left to assist with build-up play in more central areas. 

His steady presence could be pivotal in helping City rediscover the ruthless consistency they need to claim yet another league title.