Nathan Ake thinks Man City have a defender who could actually be a really useful striker

Redaction Simon Brett with Srinivas Sadhanand
Published on 2024-04-29 10:30:00

Nathan Ake of Manchester City believes that a certain defender on the team could be quite useful as a striker. He discusses how the role of a number nine, like Erling Haaland, allows for more mistakes but also more praise when goals are scored for a big club like City. Ake points out that defenders do not have the same privilege and are often criticized harshly after making mistakes, whereas strikers are praised for scoring goals.

In a recent interview, Rico Lewis, a young player on Manchester City, was mentioned as a potential striker who could score goals. Despite doubts about his ability to score 13 goals in a season as a traditional number nine, Ake suggests that Lewis could be effective as a false nine. While Lewis may lack physicality, he possesses technical ability and tactical understanding that could make him useful in a different role on the team. However, it remains to be seen if Lewis will play as a false nine anytime soon.

The discussion about using a defender as a striker highlights the different expectations and criticisms faced by players in different positions on the field. While strikers receive praise for scoring goals, defenders are often under more scrutiny for their mistakes. Ake’s comments shed light on the challenges and privileges associated with playing different roles in football, and how players like Lewis could potentially excel in different positions on the team.

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