Txiki Bergiristain has hailed Nathan Ake, after the defender signed a new contract with Manchester City.
The Netherlands international has been rewarded for his brilliant performance over the past year or so, and signed a new deal until the summer of 2027.
Last term, Ake established himself as a key player for Pep Guardiola.
Ake had started to show real promise towards the end of the 2021/22 campaign.
And last term, he really built on that form.
The 28-year-old was absolutely amazing playing on the left of City’s backline.
He rarely put a foot wrong, and even showed some attacking quality, too.
Ake has truly endeared himself to the City faithful. And fans were delighted earlier this week when it was announced he had signed a new contract.
Txiki Bergiristain hails Nathan Ake as defender signs new Man City contract
Ake has received many compliments over the past 12 months or so.
People are now wising up to the fact that he is one of the best defenders in the Premier League.
It is fantastic to see such a humble person finally get the recognition he deserves, and City’s director of football Txiki Bergiristain has hailed the former Bournemouth and Chelsea man.
He said (via mancity.com): “We have been delighted with Nathan’s development, so it’s great news for this football club that he is extending his time with us.
“There is no doubt he was a very important part of our Treble success last season, but I believe he can be even better.
“Technically, tactically and physically he has everything we want in a defender – and he is so professional, dedicated and willing to learn, which for Pep is an ideal scenario.
“Nathan is also an incredible human being who has the respect of absolutely everybody at the Club. I am really happy for him and his family, and I am excited to see what more he can achieve here at City in the coming years.”
After he signed his new deal, Ake hailed Pep Guardiola for what he has done for him both personally and professionally.
Ake deserves the world
So it’s a new contract for Ake at City, and it is thoroughly deserved.
He was practically faultless last seaso. And there was perhaps no player more deserving of a new deal this summer than him.
Ake is just a solid player, who does everything that’s asked of him.
The Dutchman has made that spot on the left of the defence his own, and it’s going to take a lot for someone to oust him as Pep Guardiola really trusts him.
There is a feeling that Josko Gvardiol will be coming in and the Croatian could be a real threat to Ake in terms of his potential minutes for the coming season.
But Ake should start the season in the team and Gvardiol would need to earn his place.
