Can't see Ake being a good option at LWB. When he played on the left for Watford he was VERY defensive with little attacking intent. He'd most likely offer cover at CM with the option of CB. 

I don't see Aké as a wing-back to be honest. Assuming we keep our current system I would imagine that he would be a squad option at LCB (also at CM I suppose).

3 hours ago, didierforever said:

Thats more than a bit harsh on Alonso.

He has been good defensively and average in attack. If he can improve his right foot and actually convert those chances that keep falling to him, i feel he would be great for us. Also this is his first season in PL and he has fit right in. Baba had more than his share of problems with the physicality of PL.

He's one of the biggest passengers I've seen in a while.  Hope he improves everything.

4 hours ago, didierforever said:

Dont think Baba has a place with us any longer. With alonso and ake, he is redundant. Ake would be more than a decent back up to alonso.

What worries me is Moses. The quality football he is currently playing, would be hard to replace with a natural defender like azpi/aina. If kenedy was right footed, he would have been a good back up.

 

Ake would probably be a LCB/CM versatile like squad option if he returned, a more naturally gifted O Shea, not sure he offers enough in attack for wing back.

4 hours ago, didierforever said:

Thats more than a bit harsh on Alonso.

He has been good defensively and average in attack. If he can improve his right foot and actually convert those chances that keep falling to him, i feel he would be great for us. Also this is his first season in PL and he has fit right in. Baba had more than his share of problems with the physicality of PL.

You think? I think it's the other way round, combines with Eden well but get's beaten so easily, in a back four he would be current Ivan/Bosingwa/PVA levels of sh*t, but in a back 3/5 system there is enough cover to get away with it.

Seems like he hasn't really progressed in his development for a couple of years. Some of this will be down to him but until the last couple of weeks Bournemouth haven't given him much of a look in.

If he does ever come back I can't see him being any more than a squad player but as said above, I can't see his position ever being at LWB in this system and with the likes of Chalobah, Van Ginkel etc waiting in the wings I can't see him forcing his way into a CM position. We may just have to take a tidy fee with a buy back clause on Ake I fear.

He looks like a solid centreback option to me. 

Was pretty good against Arsenal despite some mistakes from the more experienced heads next to him. 

Ake just helped us a little towards the title by scoring the wining goal against Looserpool.

Well done boy!

 

That deserves a new contract in itself

All in all, was a pretty poor performance. At fault for the first goal and got turned too easily for the 2nd.

 

Edited December 4, 20169 yr by robdog

^ Mmm lovely 

5 hours ago, didierforever said:

All in all, was a pretty poor performance. At fault for the first goal and got turned too easily for the 2nd.

......and to make up for it he grabs the winner.

Well done Agent Ake'

10 hours ago, coco said:

......and to make up for it he grabs the winner.

Football is an odd game. One goal can cover for a lot. He has "earned" 3 points for us without even playing for us. 

But I would judge him on his defensive performance rather than a goallie who flapped a straight forward shot. Hope he has better games than this one.

As much as I admire Ake, he has that Chelsea swagger about him, am sorry to say he doesn't look like he will make it with us, heart breaking as it is.

My favourite saying however, I hope am wrong though.

9 hours ago, 1905 said:

As much as I admire Ake, he has that Chelsea swagger about him, am sorry to say he doesn't look like he will make it with us, heart breaking as it is.

My favourite saying however, I hope am wrong though.

Honestly feel he will make it under Conte.

With a back 3, we need cover in LCB and LWB and Ake can honestly give us exactly that.

LWB - Baba/Alonso

LCB - Zouma/Ake

CB - Luiz/GC

RCB - Azpi/Andreas

RWB - Moses/Aina?

 

If you gave me the choice Ake or Cahill as left sided cb....

Imagine next to Luiz, all that hair!

Edited December 6, 20169 yr by mickydroysleftpeg

He likes playing Liverpool, two career winners already vs them plus a winner in 2013 youth cup semi final.

The Gullit Clone scored again today - I couldn't find a good video of this feat - somebody if you can find one please post it

I just saw this on twitter too

 

Good to see his attacking output but seems his defensive work could use some help. Mainly watched highlights but he looks culpable for a few of the goals recently. Like others would love for him to make it here but wonder if he needs to be an A or A- prospect in one position rather than a B in three. Not sure he has the engine / discipline for LWB, height / command for LCB or strength / technique in central midfield (and he's not being played there now). Maybe LWB is most likely?

checkout the status of the Ruud Gullit Clone vs le arse - I found them to be a bit impressive

 

People cite his height as a problem for center back but he actually wins quite a lot of headers.

As I said elsewhere, good, tidy, uncomplicated player.

I really hope he has a future with us but will be difficult. He has age on his side.

1 hour ago, Remodez said:

People cite his height as a problem for center back but he actually wins quite a lot of headers.

Last night he won a few headers against giroud in the 1st half, I actually think giroud started pulling onto the other centre back instead in the end. 

He is definitely better in the air than azpiliucueta, who has been okay on the whole in the air.

I hope he gets a chance next season, with 2 seasons in the premier league under his belt, he is arguably more ready than christiensen, plus he can fill in at left wing back, or centre midfield, if we are short.

12 hours ago, Remodez said:

People cite his height as a problem for center back but he actually wins quite a lot of headers.

He has both terrific leaping ability and excellent timing that makes up for his height. Just look at Matic who is terrible in the air despite his height because of his poor timing and complete lack of anything resembling jumping ability.