Nathan Ake, the Manchester City defender, experienced a challenging performance during the recent Netherlands vs. France Euro 2024 qualifying game, adding to a series of tough encounters both internationally and with his club. Prior to the current international break, Ake faced difficulties with City, especially highlighted by his own critique after a 2-1 loss against Wolves. Subsequently, he made a critical mistake that contributed to Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over the treble-winning team. In the recent match against France, Ake faced another setback as the Netherlands suffered a 2-1 defeat.
During the game, the 28-year-old defender played for 80 minutes before being substituted for Tottenham Hotspur’s Micky van de Ven. Ake encountered challenges, losing the ball nine times and completing only 45 out of 52 attempted passes accurately. Although he showcased his defensive capabilities, his ball handling didn’t meet Pep Guardiola’s expectations. SofaScore rated his overall performance at 6.6/10, indicating an average display. Football Oranje’s player ratings echoed this sentiment, labeling the match as “not his finest game” for the Netherlands.
These recent events have been emotionally distressing for the City star, underscoring the need for him to regroup and refocus to support his team’s success after the international break.
