Antonio Conte’s Chelsea have one of the biggest squads in Europe at their disposal this season. With the first team at the club filled with superstars, the Blues have sent a number of players out on loan spells at different clubs in Europe to give them some exposure and game time at an early stage of their career.
As many as 38 players are now out on loan from Chelsea this season and Conte will surely be looking to bring a couple back to the club in January with the squad who still are carrying a few weaknesses this season. One such player who is now in the middle of a transfer saga is Dutch U21 international Nathan Ake.
Having moved to Chelsea from Feyenoord back in 2011, Ake was the Bridge for the next three years but failed to get himself into the first team till 2014. However, his first few performances for the side were far from impressive and he was then sent out on loan to Reading and then Watford in the previous season.
The new manager at the Bridge was not ready to have him in his first squad either and that saw him leaving for yet another loan spell to Bournemouth. However, the 21-year old has finally stepped up to the top flight of English football and has cemented a place in the side at the Dean Court, helping Bournemouth to rise up from the relegation area.
A central defender with a superb understanding of the game, Ake has made 8 appearances in the league for the Cherries this season and has produced some brilliant performances at the back for his side. He has also scored three goals this season, helping Bournemouth to more than a couple of points and he is now an important part of the squad at the club.
Eddie Howe, the manager is now looking to offer him a permanent deal at the club but reports suggest that the manager is afraid that Chelsea might come back for their player. But does Ake have any future at the Bridge?
Capable of playing on the left-flank and also in a defensive midfield, the 21-year old is an exciting youngster who has his whole career ahead of him. He is not the strongest defenders around but his understanding of the game allows him to stay a step ahead of his opponents on most occasions. He loves to throw himself around, making a number of blocks and interceptions to frustrate the opponents while his threat at the other end of the field only makes him more effective.
He is a no-nonsense defender who can pick a crucial pass if needed and is a player that fits Conte’s 3-man defense perfectly. With John Terry, Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic all entering the last few years of their playing careers, Conte has been in the search of more than one central defender to add to their squad and Ake is not a bad option at the back.
At his age, he will only get better the more game time he gets under his belt and his time at the Dean Court will allow him to return to the Bridge as a better player. Surely Chelsea would love to keep hold of him for years to come.
Do you think Conte should let Ake leave on a permanent deal in January?