Manchester City have one of the most formidable defences in Europe and Nathan Ake is a huge reason behind their solidity at the back.
Ake has become one of the most versatile defenders in the Premier League for the past few seasons — capable of operating both at centre-back and a left-back at a high standard.
However, in any area of a Pep Guardiola team, one player does not determine its functioning.
The Dutch international would perhaps agree with such a sentiment as he has played several top-class defenders at Manchester City.
The likes of Kyle Walker, John Stones, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji and Josko Gvardiol have all been terrific in a City shirt.
Ake hails Man City defender for his “outstanding” consistency
Due to how many goals Manchester City score season after season, how much they seemingly prioritise a strong defensive core is perhaps overlooked.
Mikel Arteta revealed in December 2022 on Sky Sports that if one were to ask Pep Guardiola, he would describe himself as “the most defensive manager in the world.”
As a result, the Catalan perhaps values the strength of his backline more than what meets the eye.
Especially considering their quality, tactical flexibility and leadership as a unit.
One of the players who remains incredibly consistent at Guardiola’s disposal is Dias.
Ake was quizzed his thoughts on playing with the £180,000-a-week man by Manchester City’s official in-house media and he heaped praise on him.
“Yeah, top. Ever since he came in his first season, he’s been outstanding. Always ready to play the games with the same quality and yeah, he’s shown it for years now. He deserves this rating [88 rating on EA FC 25]. Good leader, great leader.”
Ruben Dias has been a rock at the back for Man City from day one
Ake rightly emphasised that from the moment Dias joined Manchester City, he has been exceptional.
The former Benfica centre-back’s introduction managed to help transform a City backline that was porous at the time and in the 2020/2021 season, the side not only won the Premier League and the Carabao Cup but reached the Champions League final.
Dias’ arrival had added a sense of defensive security and leadership in the Sky Blues’ defence, helping them to bounce back from the 2019/2020 campaign where they only won the Carabao Cup and finished second in the league.
Whether it be in the Premier League, the Champions League or in other competitions, the decorated colossus stands tall against the absolute best season after season.
The Portuguese international’s consistency has been remarkable and once again this season, he has made a solid start in defence.
Manchester City are fortunate to have a defender of Dias’ calibre, experience and leadership at their disposal, who is now in his prime years at 28.
