As the Netherlands booked a place after beating Turkey 2-1 in the semi-finals of Euro 2024, Nathan Ake joined his team in the jubilant post-match celebrations.
After Samet Akaydin’s opener in the first-half, it seemed like Vincenzo Monzella’s side were ready to pull off one of the biggest upsets at the tournament.
Akaydin got on the end of an excellent weak-footed cross from Arda Güler to power a header into the back of the net from close range.
The Netherlands were down but certainly not out as one of Ake’s two centre-back partners, Stefan de Vrij equalised in the second half by dispatching a free header past Mert Günok.
What Jack Grealish said to Nathan Ake after Euro 2024 quarter-final win
Six minutes later after Ronald Koeman’s side made it 1-1, Mert Müldür’s attempts to clear a pinpoint pass into Cody Gakpo’s path were in vain — as he slid the ball into his own net.
The Dutch managed to hang on right until the end before the refree blew the final whistle and their date with England in one of the two semi-finals was booked for Wednesday night.
After the Netherlands defeated Turkey on Saturday, Jack Grealish hailed Ake by commenting on his post-match Instagram post.
Grealish commented: “What a player”, which was followed by the ‘applause’ emoji.
Nathan Ake was brilliant for the Netherlands against Turkey
While Grealish would have been over the moon for his Manchester City teammate Ake for reaching the semi-finals with his national team, he would be hoping that he is not at his brilliant best against England.
The £41 million man was one of the key reasons why Koeman and Co. were able to beat a top Turkish side.
Throughout the contest, Turkey took the game to the Netherlands but one reason why they struggled to both equalise and extend their lead is because Ake, alongside Virgil van Dijk and De Vrij was peerless.
Focusing on the Manchester City defender, he was outstanding — both when tasked to defend against Müldür and Güler in one-v-one situations out wide. Even when tested inside the box, Ake stepped up — making crucial interceptions, challenges and blocks.
The 29-year-old continues to showcase his class at international level on Saturday once again — emerging as one of City’s and the Netherlands’ most consistent performers.
