According to a recent report by L’Equipe, Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a move to secure the signature of Nathan Ake from Bournemouth this summer. The same source has mentioned that it will take a bid of around £40m to convince the Cherries to part ways with their prized asset during this summer transfer period. L’Equipe has also stated that Manchester City is ahead of Spurs in the race to recruit the Dutch defender before the start of the new Premier League campaign.
Ake’s Brilliant Rise In The English Top-Flight
Ake had the best year of his playing career last season when he was an integral member of Eddie Howe’s backline. The talented centre-back put in a series of dominant displays at the heart of the Cherries defence in the previous campaign.
The 24-year-old featured in 39 matches for Howe’s side in the last term, scoring four goals while grabbing one assist across all competitions. On the defensive end, Ake made an average of 1.7 tackles, 0.8 interceptions and 5.8 clearances per game in the Premier League (stats via whoscored).
The Bournemouth centre-half has also earned ten international caps for the Netherlands and has one goal to his name for his nation thus far.
What Will The Cherries Defensive Ace Add To Pochettino’s Team?
Ake is a no-nonsense defender who is a commanding presence inside his own box. He can lead his defence with authority and conviction but lacks the composure to play the ball out from the back. He is an excellent defender as he tends to be at the right place at the right time to clear the lines for Bournemouth. The Dutch defender can also make well-timed challenges to win the ball back for his team.
The acquisition of a proven defender like Ake will undoubtedly bolster Mauricio Pochettino’s defensive options at the North London club. However, he is yet to prove his worth in European competitions so one can argue whether he would be able to manage the pressure of playing in the UEFA Champions League for Spurs next season.
Ake is better off staying at the Vitality Stadium as he is a guaranteed starter under Howe’s stewardship. Also, the former Chelsea prospect might find it challenging to earn a place in the Tottenham first-team as both Jan Vertonghen and Davinson Sanchez are expected to be Pochettino’s first-choice central defensive pairing in the upcoming campaign.
