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Published on 2024-02-27 08:30:00
Former Manchester City defender Gael Clichy believes that one of the unsung heroes at the club is actually among the top players in the world in his position.
Manchester City, under the management of Pep Guardiola, have established themselves as the best club not just in England or Europe, but on a global scale over the past eight years. The team is filled with incredible talent such as Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Kevin De Bruyne.
What sets Guardiola apart is his ability to develop players who may not have been considered generational talents. One such example is defender Nathan Ake, who joined Manchester City from Bournemouth for a record fee in 2020. While Ake was already a solid player, Guardiola’s guidance has significantly improved his game.
Gael Clichy, speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, praised Ake, suggesting that he may be one of the best left-backs in the world currently.
The Frenchman said: “If we count, I don’t know it’s very difficult if we count Ake as being a left-back because that’s the positioning he’s playing.
“You can’t really argue that he’s not up there. I really like Cancelo before he left for the argument they had. I think at that moment, Cancelo is the best in the position.”
Guardiola’s management style has been instrumental in Ake’s development. The Dutch defender has transitioned smoothly between left-back and center-back roles, providing defensive stability and composure on the ball. Ake has also shown his attacking prowess by scoring important goals against top Premier League clubs.
City’s success with players like Ake and Manuel Akanji showcases Guardiola’s ability to transform good players into world-class talents without needing to make extravagant signings. This approach has proven successful for City, allowing them to compete at the highest level with a squad of versatile and capable players.
Read Original article on Manchester City News
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