Three ideal candidates to replace Harry Maguire at Leicester City
By Matt Taylor
Nathan Ake
At just 24 years of age, Nathan Ake is the youngest of this shortlist, but has the most Premier League experience, with 112 appearances from as far back as the 2013-14 season.
The Dutch international is a key component of Eddie Howe’s side, featuring in every single Bournemouth league game last season. His maturity and experience, far beyond his age, are due to the various loans spells that he completed, back when Chelsea were his parent club. Ake spent time at Reading, Watford and Bournemouth on loan before making a permanent switch to the Cherries.
Born in the Hague, Ake is noted for his natural calmness in possession and his versatility. Both attributes would serve him well at Leicester, if he were to fill the large hole that may be left be ‘slabhead’.
Although he is shorter than both Maguire and Tarkowski, below six foot, in fact, the 24-year-old still averages 2.3 aerial wins per 90 minutes, while boasting an impressive 86% pass completion rate – per WhoScored.
With 10 senior caps for the Netherlands, Ake would also likely come at a cost of around £40 million. Proven Premier League players always come with an added premium. It comes as no surprise that the Dutchman has primarily been linked with both Spurs and Manchester City.
However, should Maguire leave, Leicester could offer more guaranteed football and compete financially with their Premier League rivals.
Ake does not quite command the same dominance of Maguire or Tarkowski, but his technical attributes and defensive proficiency would make him a worthy replacement of City’s unsettled number 15.