The Cherries have been a much better side with Nathan Aké in the team. Nathan himself though will tell you that he is probably not playing in his favourite position or may be not even his best position. He has a passion to get forward, as we have seen when the Cherries win corner, but he is also an accomplished player who retains possession well under pressure, and it is not so unthinkable that Eddie would have good reason for seeing how well Nathan would play with lewis Cook in the centre of midfield.
There is also then a subs place for Jack Simpson to cover for the central defenders and it may be Steve Cook that is the defender that will have to bide his time to get a run in the team.
In other news, Harry Arter enjoyed an 83rd minute appearance in Republic of Ireland's 2-1 over USA. Josh King also scored in Norway's 2-3 win at Iceland, after being a 71st minute sub.
Southgate's World Cup - What did we learn from Nigerian match?
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| Would Nathan be even better in midfield? |
Hear me out here. There are more reasons than this why I see it being a progressive move for AFCB. Where is Simon Francis' best position? These days it is arguable as a centre-back, while he has competition from Steve Cook and more excitingly for me a fit Tyrone Mings. If Francis is to remain as the captain, having signed an extended contract, he has to play most of the games, which takes up one centre-back space. Whether Howe picks Cook or Mings to accompany Francis, it would enable Aké to move into midfield. Aké has been an outstanding defender and has made numerous key tackles when at the back. However, I'd argue that Tyrone Mings can also play this way and to have Mings and Aké on the pitch at the same time is something Eddie hasn't had the chance to try yet.
There is also then a subs place for Jack Simpson to cover for the central defenders and it may be Steve Cook that is the defender that will have to bide his time to get a run in the team.
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If Francis is now less likely to play 20 games or more a season then Howe will have to think about the captaincy. It could be that having now won in the Premier league without Francis that Howe can start to lessen Francis' need to start as many games. So even if we do not see a centre-back signed this summer, we could see a new position for Aké and it could add a new dimension to AFCB in both defence and going forward.
In other news, Harry Arter enjoyed an 83rd minute appearance in Republic of Ireland's 2-1 over USA. Josh King also scored in Norway's 2-3 win at Iceland, after being a 71st minute sub.
Southgate's World Cup - What did we learn from Nigerian match?
My brother and I have been saying this about Ake since we saw him play in the pre-season friendly against Valencia. His ability to read the game, his speed off the mark and his tackling make him a sensible choice to be sat in front of the defence. Given how many goals we have let in during every Premiership season it has to be worth a go.
ReplyDeleteAke is versatile enough to play either. Who we sign in the transfer window will signal where he plays in 18-19. I would definitely like to see him in midfield, but we would definitely need to beef up the defence for that to happen. An unproven Simpson and a prone to injury Mings would be much too thin.
ReplyDeleteTJ.
...I once thought so but now having seen him over the season as a CB, I think that he has made that his forte. He saved us many times and I wonder if his influence on team if he was playing in midfield would lessen?
ReplyDelete