Chelsea’s vice-captain Gary Cahill has been ruled out of today’s FA Cup semi-final clash against Tottenham, and Antonio Conte has hinted that Nathan Ake would replace him in the starting eleven.
The Blues recalled Ake from his loan spell at AFC Bournemouth in January following a great pile of performances for the Cherries during the first half of the campaign.
However, he hasn’t really got the chance some might’ve expected from him, as Conte has mainly stuck to the same back-three week-in week-out.
And even when injuries have forced the Italian to make changes, Kurt Zouma has often stepped in instead of Ake.
Now the situation is different, as Zouma is not as comfortable playing as the left-sided centre-back as he would be on the right, giving the 22-year-old Dutchman a huge opportunity to prove himself.
“Ake thinks he deserves to have this chance, to play. Because he is showing me in all this period, always a great commitment. He worked very hard. His behaviour was great, was fantastic, and he never said anything [about a lack of opportunities].
Don’t forget that Ake was playing every game with Bournemouth, and he wanted to come and to stay with us to try to work together and to help us to fight for the title. I think he’s a good player and I think he’s ready to have this opportunity, to have this chance.
“He deserves this opportunity and I trust him. I have no problem to take this decision.”
– Antonio Conte, Goal
Chelsea fans have got very excited about the news after waiting for three months to finally see Ake in proper action, and the reactions in Twitter are priceless.
https://twitter.com/thorners889/status/855695581565644800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.football.london%2Fchelsea-fc%2Fplayers%2Flike-bertrand-stepping-up-against-12929222
Nathan Ake fully deserves it more than anyone. Thinking he's been extremely good for Bournemouth before we recalled him.
— Kabz (@Curtixxx_) April 21, 2017
Hoping for a great performance from this young lad tomorrow. Outrageous occasion. Wear the badge proud mate. @NathanAke
— CFC Reed âï¸âï¸ (@OnTheChels) April 22, 2017
Really Really Really excited to see Nathan Ake starts vs Spurs, let's hope he puts Cahill on the bench for the rest of the season😎😎
— Chelsea facts (@cfc_facts) April 22, 2017
Nathan Aké to play like prime Gullit as a CB and bench Cahill for the rest of the season.
— Z (@DrogbaIIer) April 22, 2017
I want Ake to have a very good game today and become a permanent starter ahead of Cahill. That'll be incredible!
— Oluwafemi (@famochi09) April 22, 2017
Ake starting today in Gary Cahill's place, I have respect for the kid I've rated him since he was 16 but to throw him into a game like this
— Jamie (@DieHardChels) April 22, 2017
Come on Ake show us what you’ve got!
