Chelsea winger Noni Madueke has named Manchester City’s Nathan Ake as the “toughest defender” he has played against.
The pair came face-to-face in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley back in April and Madueke said that the Dutchman made a lasting impression on him:
“The toughest defender I have faced, let me give someone flowers. I am just going to give it to Nathan Ake.”
“To be honest, I don’t think anyone locked me up like you are in chains for the game but I feel like I’m going to give Nathan his flowers, he’s a good defender, good player.”
Ake could have been a teammate of Madueke’s
It is sometimes easy to forget that the Manchester City defender was close to joining Chelsea two years ago. The two clubs were locked in talks over a move before the player ultimately ended up staying at the Etihad.
Ake is believed to have even agreed personal terms with the London club but they didn’t manage to meet City’s £45m asking price.
The defender subsequently established himself as a regular starter under manager Pep Guardiola before getting a new contract last year.
City do need to strengthen the left-hand side of defence
While Ake and Josko Gvardiol have done well between them to provide cover at left-back, there is a feeling that the Cityzens could do with more natural options in that position.
Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies has been mentioned as a potential target and, ironically, Chelsea’s Ian Maatsen has been too. It must be said, though, that none of the rumours have been particularly concrete. With Sergio Gomez being heavily linked with a switch to Real Sociedad, it may finally force the club to bring in reinforcements but we shall have to wait and see.
