I remember reading in the MatchDay programme about Nathan Aké being flexible in his view about playing in central defence or in midfield. While he has not had many chances to play further up the field, he has definitely enjoyed playing next to Lerma, as he did against Tottenham, and his thrill at getting the winning game was there for all to see.
If Aké does not know if he is a better midfielder or central defender then it is probably hard for us to make a judgement. I get the impression that he would like to play in midfield. After all, who doesn't like to get the chance to score goals and push the team forward? The dilemma for Eddie Howe is that Aké is probably the team's best defender. Howe has to weigh up whether what he gains with Aké in midfield is more or less than if he uses him as a defender.
Currently, Aké is fulfilling a role in the middle of the park because there isn't really any one else apart form Hyndman who could do that. With Jack Simpson being asked to gain experience at the back, the obvious choice was to move Aké forward. He has done it before, and yet I really felt that this time he was very keen to do well in the central midfield role.
For me Aké' s reading of the game makes him a better defender than a midfield player, but while he has the energy to play in central midfield, it is a handy option for AFCB to have when they do get hit with injuries in that position.
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| Nathan Aké is versatile enough to plant centre-midfield. |
Currently, Aké is fulfilling a role in the middle of the park because there isn't really any one else apart form Hyndman who could do that. With Jack Simpson being asked to gain experience at the back, the obvious choice was to move Aké forward. He has done it before, and yet I really felt that this time he was very keen to do well in the central midfield role.
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It may be that Aké will have a short time in central midfield, but playing in different positions can only help in making a player more aware of the challenges other players have in the team. He can get more understanding of the game, and if he likes playing there I don't see a problem. In fact, Aké is a player who likes to get involved and roll his sleeves up. If he can sniff a chance for a goal he'll do his best to get into the right position.
For me Aké' s reading of the game makes him a better defender than a midfield player, but while he has the energy to play in central midfield, it is a handy option for AFCB to have when they do get hit with injuries in that position.
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