Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has confirmed that Nathan Ake is ready to play for the Blues first-team after being recalled from his loan spell at Bournemouth earlier this month.
Ake was a superb loanee in the Cherries outfit and his great performances earned him a well-deserved return to Stamford Bridge, as the 21-year-old defender rose to a key role under Eddie Howe at Dean Court.
Ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Premier League newboys Hull City on Sunday noon, Conte explained why he brought back the promising Dutchman.
Nathan Ake came back with us because I evaluated his situation and our situation and he is a good reinforcement.
Ake is a player who can play in different positions. I think he has improved a lot and now he is ready to play with Chelsea and help us.
This is the second week he has been with us and he is starting to go into our idea of football. I’m pleased to have him.
– Antonio Conte, Goal
It’s unlikely that Conte will be placing Ake into the starting line-up just yet, but he could be making an outing against the Tigers at the Bridge. He’s able to play in several positions with a center-back or left full-back’s role the most natural option for him.
