Nathan Ake still has plenty to offer for Manchester City as we saw against Everton

Heading into Manchester City’s 2-nil win over Everton on Saturday, Nathan Ake had only made one start for Pep Guardiola’s side this season. That came during City’s 2-nil Carabao Cup third-round tie win over Huddersfield Town. In what seemed like a surprise selection from Pep Guardiola, Ake started alongside Ruben Dias in the heart of Manchester City’s defence against Everton. The Dutch centre-back made a slow start to Saturday’s match at the Etihad, but by the end of the game, it was clear to see that Ake still has plenty to offer for Manchester City.

Nathan Ake made a slow start to Saturday’s match against Everton, but he grew into the game as it wore on.

At the beginning of Manchester City’s win over Everton, Nathan Ake appeared rusty. He hadn’t played a lot of minutes to begin the 25/26 season. He misplaced several passes, and the usual composure on the ball that is associated with Nathan Ake’s play was lacking. For the first 20 minutes, the Dutch international was well below par with his performance. Ake wasn’t alone in this particular boat as Manchester City’s beginning to last Saturday’s match was well below their best. Fortunately for Pep Guardiola’s side they improved as the game wore on and they picked up a comfortable victory come the final whistle.

As for Nathan Ake, he grew into the match against Everton as it progressed. Once he got through the opening 20 minutes his performance improved markedly. Alongside Ruben Dias, he helped control the physical threat that Everton striker Beto provides. Ake read the game well, especially in the second half, as he helped quell any threat offered by David Moyes’s side in the latter stages of the match at the Etihad Stadium. Come the final whistle, it was clear to see that Ake has an important role to play for Pep Guardiola’s side this season.