Just as he did at Watford, Nathan Ake has got his head down at Bournemouth and grafted his way into the first team. After being given a start two months ago, the Dutchman grabbed his chance and has held on tight, and is playing exceptionally well at the back for the Cherries, adding goals to solid defensive performances.
All this has understandably lead to speculation about the Chelsea loanee’s future. It certainly seems like a return to Chelsea to finally play a role in the first team squad is long overdue. The 21 year old has done more than enough to earn another shot, and fits perfectly into the role of left sided centre back in Chelsea’s new formation.
On the other hand, with Conte’s back three in exceptional form and John Terry, Kurt Zouma and Branislav Ivanovic waiting in the wings, it won’t be easy to get a chance.
Whatever happens, the £10 figure circulating around Ake’s potential fee in a move to the South Coast is a gross undervaluation. As a 21 year old with plenty of Premier League experience and a huge amount of potential, Ake could expect to go for not much less than double that if he keeps up this form in the second half of the season.
