Manchester City defender Nathan Ake overcame a tough start to his City career to become invaluable to Pep Guardiola’s side. After arriving from Bournemouth in August 2020 he was plagued by injuries in his first season with the club. Ake overcame that adversity and is now one of his side’s most dependable defenders. He was vital to his club’s surge to the treble last season.
Speaking with the official Manchester City podcast Ake admitted injuries dented his confidence during his first season at City. He said: “I think as I’ve said a few times before, the first year was difficult. You know when you get injuries, when the confidence goes down a little bit and then you have to play and you start to over show yourself.”
The Dutch international then explained that Pep Guardiola had faith in the defender. He added: “Even at the end of the first season he came to me and he just said, keep going because this season, maybe it didn’t work out, but next season you’re going to be very important because you can play different positions, keep that faith and keep going. That made me think ‘Okay, he still believes in me’, even though the first season was bad.”
After a tough first season, Nathan Ake became vital in Manchester City’s treble-winning campaign last season. He made 41 appearances and scored 3 goals last season. His versatility was crucial to Pep Guardiola’s side’s success. His ability to play in multiple positions has become invaluable to his team.
Ake’s importance to his side was again evident during Tuesday’s win over RB Leipzig. After City were trailing 2-nil at halftime Ake’s introduction brought a sense of calm to the defence. City fought back to win 3-2 with Ake a key part of his team’s comeback.
