Nathan Ake has been tipped to replace Gary Cahill in Chelsea’s defence, according to pundit Jamie Redknapp.
The Netherlands U21 international is currently on a season-long loan at Bournemouth and his solid performances have been noted by pundits and fans alike in his last three matches for Eddie Howe’s men.
Meanwhile, Cahill came up with an error in Manchester City’s opening goal in Chelsea’s 3-1 win at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Sky Sports pundit Redknapp thinks Ake, 21, could be the perfect replacement for the out-of-form England international in Antonio Conte’s three-man defence.
“Although there are elements of his game he needs to improve upon, Ake could end up saving Chelsea a lot of money,” Redknapp told the Daily Mail.
“Chelsea are crying out for a left-sided centre-back.
“Gary Cahill has done well there this season but the position does not come naturally to him.
“Good left-footed centre-backs are hard to find. Chelsea may go out and buy someone like Giorgio Chiellini but they could have a long-term solution on their books in Ake.”
By Drew Darbyshire (@DarbySports)
