Nathan Ake expects his compatriot and new Manchester City teammate Tijani Reynders to make a significant impact on the team.
Reynders signed for Manchester City from AC Milan last week in a £46.5m deal as part of the club's rebuild under Pep Guardiola following a disappointing 2024-25 season.
The 26-year-old made a fine start, playing the whole match as City began their Club World Cup campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over Wydad Casablanca in Philadelphia on Wednesday.
Centre-back Ake said: “I know him well and I think he can play a big role.”
“From the first week of training it was obvious that he fits into the team perfectly and what outstanding qualities he has.”
“He can play in different positions, he can get into the box, control the ball and carry it forward. He has great skills and there are a lot of opportunities ahead of him.”
“He played a great game. It was a tough situation, but he kept the ball well, kept us moving and did a very good job in attack.”
Ake played 90 minutes for the first time since January as City beat their Moroccan rivals in their Group G opener thanks to first-half goals from Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku.
Last season was difficult for him: due to health problems he played in only 18 matches in all competitions.
The 30-year-old said: “It was very difficult. I was constantly trying to improve myself, trying to get back as quickly as possible, but I got injured again and it can be a tough test from a mental point of view.”
“It's never easy, but luckily it's behind me now and I hope I can keep fit and keep performing.”
“I feel good. I played my first 60 minutes with the national team and it was my first 90 minutes in a while.”
“Obviously I hope it's not the end, but this game was important for the team and it's a good start for me.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
