One Manchester City player failed to convince last night at Euro 2024, with one local outlet insisting he looked ‘devoid of ideas’.
The tournament is about to head into its final week, with just four nations now remaining.
One of France, Spain, England or the Netherlands will be triumphant next weekend, and there is a good chance at least one Manchester City player will become a European champion.
City still have five players at the tournament.
Rodri and Spain have looked very good, and England have made the semis without looking convincing at all, so perhaps it is written for Kyle Walker, John Stones and Phil Foden to win.
There is also a chance Nathan Ake could win with the Netherlands.
Ake featured again last night against Turkey, but one outlet wasn’t particularly impressed with his display.
Man City star Nathan Ake fails to impress for Netherlands against Turkey
After England got past Switzerland on penalties, it was then the turn of the Dutch to survive a scare against a lower-ranked nation.
Turkey took the lead through Samet Akaydin’s header at the back post on 35 minutes.
But then Netherlands came back, with Stefan de Vrij equalising before Mert Muldur scored an own goal under pressure from Cody Gakpo.
Netherlands will now face England in the semi-final, and Ake will hope to get one over on his City teammates Walker, Foden and Stones.
Against Turkey he didn’t have his best outing and was also booked for a foul on Arder Guler. English-speaking Dutch publication Football Oranje felt Ake struggled, writing: “One of his poorest nights in Oranje, Ake looked devoid of ideas on the ball in the first half and was eventually taken off for Van de Ven.”
Ake was described as ‘solid’ by the same publication following his performance in the 3-0 win over Romania.
But against Austria, they said he had ‘one of his poorest games’ for the national team.
Ronald de Boer gave him a 6.5/10 for his latest display against Turkey for Voetbal Primeur, and said: “Was good in the build-up, dared to play a ball between the lines and didn’t lose much of the ball. But he can also take a little more initiative to ensure that he is more playable, which is a point of criticism.”
Ake will need to be on it against England
It has been a bit of an up-and-down tournament for Ake so far, although these latest ratings for him are slightly harsh.
He was absolutely amazing in the Netherlands’ first couple of games, but he hasn’t really matched those levels in the three matches since.
It’s England up next for City’s £41 million man and, while the Three Lions have been poor in Germany so far, Ake will need to bring his A-game on Wednesday.
At the end of the day, England still have several huge threats.
Bukayo Saka will be buoyed by his heroics against Switzerland and be looking to do some damage, and he will likely be playing on Ake’s side. Ake’s former teammate Cole Palmer may also feature on that side at some point.
Ake will also need to be wary of an overlapping Kyle Walker.
