Everton were recently reported to be in the mix to sign Nathan Ake this summer – and his manager Pep Guardiola has delivered quite the verdict about the defender.
It’s expected that the Toffees will look to strengthen their defensive options this summer.
Both full-back positions are likely to be addressed, and a new centre-back is also wanted.
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Reportedly, Nathan Ake is on Everton’s radar again (via TEAMtalk), with the Dutchman expected to leave the club this summer.
But seemingly, his manager Pep Guardiola hopes that he’ll stay at City given the high praise he just gave him.
What Pep Guardiola just said about Nathan Ake should spring Everton into action
Ake impressed at the weekend as City beat Brentford.
The 31-year-old lined up alongside Marc Guehi and helped City win the game and keep a clean sheet.
He does not always start for City. But when he does come into the team Ake rarely puts a foot wrong – and Guardiola gave a rave review of him in his latest press conference.
He said: “Listen, maybe sometimes Nathan is not really there with his physicality. But there are few players more reliable when they play like him, the job he has to do in terms of with the ball or without, in terms of focus – Nathan is one of the best I ever faced (had).
“It’s just unbelievable. The problem is sometimes when it’s [games] every three days, he struggles. But look at the Carabao Cup final, semi-finals, or last game against Brentford, completely [against Kevin] Schade and [Igor] Thiago, how they attack in-behind, the space, pace; Wow, Nathan.
“He’s one of the most incredible teammates I’ve ever [seen]. An incredible signing from Bournemouth, an incredible signing for this tenure. He played the Champions League final in Istanbul, that means how reliable he is.
“Top guy and top player!”
Are you listening, David Moyes?
This is quite the assessment of Ake from Guardiola.
Ake doesn’t quite have the same hype or profile as some of City’s other defenders, but he is clearly held in very high regard by one of the best managers of all-time.
Guardiola does point to a lack of physicality at times and also that he struggles when games come thick and fast.
But this would be less of an issue if Everton aren’t playing in Europe, which is feeling more likely now.
Even if Everton did sneak into Europe though, Ake would still be a great option to have and provide a rotation option.
Guardiola talking up how reliable he is is sure to place David Moyes on alert.
We know the Scot values that a lot given he’s used a lot of the same players towards the end of the season, so it’s hard to see him not wanting a player like Ake.
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