Nathan Ake played a full 90 minutes for the Netherlands in Monday’s 2-0 win over Senegal and will be happy with his performance at Al Thumama Stadium.
The 27-year-old started at centre-back alongside Virgil van Dijk and Matthijs de Ligt, making more passes and clearances than any of his teammates.
Ake wasn’t a regular for the Netherlands in the 2020 European Championships last year, amassing only 52 minutes of playing time from a possible 360, but he’s now one of the first names on the teamsheet.
The left-footed defender didn’t let Louis van Gaal down. He helped to keep a clean sheet while limiting Boulaye Dia and Bamba Dieng to just one shot on target.
Against Senegal, Ake had 74 touches, won two aerial duels, completed 86.2% of his 65 passes, made one tackle, blocked one shot and made three clearances.
The 27-year-old has made 13 appearances in all competitions for Manchester City, playing just two games since mid-October, so he came into the tournament a bit rusty.
Netherlands next World Cup group game is against Ecuador on Friday, November 25. Ake will hope to shut out another side.
In other news, Gareth Southgate could overlook Kyle Walker when England face USA
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