NATHAN Ake might not have been the first name on Pep Guardiola's teamsheet this season, but recent performances in huge games have seen him prove his worth at City.
Ake came on at left-back against Atletico Madrid last Wednesday and put in a resilient display as the Blues saw out a clean sheet to progress to the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Despite only playing 17 minutes, he made five clearances against the Spanish champions, more than any other player on the pitch.
The Dutchman made a handful of vital blocks to deny Diego Simeone's team and looked assured after replacing the injured Kyle Walker. Ake played the full 90 minutes in the 1-0 first leg over Atletico and has grown into a trusted defensive option for Pep Guardiola this season.
The versatile defender joined City in 2020 after impressing at Bournemouth and has been used by Guardiola both at left-back and centreback in his two seasons at the club.
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