Nathan Ake: How Dutch media reacted to Everton target’s display as full stats revealed
Anis Hadj Moussa’s late goal was the difference between the sides, with Ronald Koeman’s team unable to breach the Algerian defence in Rotterdam.
Ake is a target of Everton’s this summer, as they look to bolster their backline following the injuries to Jarrad Branthwaite.
The 31-year-old has just one year remaining on his Manchester City contract, and is expected to be available for a cut price.
Everton transfer chiefs will have been watching on as he performed on Wednesday, and they were likely left impressed.
Branthwaite made just 10 appearances in the Premier League last season amid recurring hamstring issues, with Michael Keane and James Tarkowski regulars in his absence.
Dutch media judge Nathan Ake display
Football Insider exclusively revealed last month that Everton are interested in Ake, as they attempt to provide David Moyes with more depth.
The pair are both 33 years old and will begin to slow down in the coming years, with Everton lacking any alternative when the 23-year-old is injured.
Jake O’Brien is naturally a centre-back, but moving him away from the right-back position would prompt issues of its own.
Seamus Coleman is leaving the club this summer, and Nathan Patterson could as well, having made just 10 appearances across all competitions last season.
Ake has emerged as a strong contender and, despite conceding on Wednesday, delivered a strong performance off the bench.
The 31-year-old misplaced just one pass, recorded several defensive contributions, including five recoveries, won all of his duels and earned two free-kicks.
Dutch outlet Voetbalprimeur rated Ake’s performance as a six out of 10, while Football Oranje gave the Man City man the same rating but added that he “ended the game with the captain's armband and put in a decent performance after coming on.”
Ake deal makes sense for Everton
There are drawbacks to a deal that sees Ake join Everton this summer. The defender has injury issues of his own, having missed countless games in recent years.
His wages, too, will be significant. The Toffees will hope that a pay cut could be agreed on his Man City terms.
Ake’s quality is plainly evident, however. The defender’s experience would be invaluable for Everton, and he would provide a perfect mentor for the likes of Branthwaite.
There is a World Cup in the way first, though, and the Toffees will likely have to wait for the Netherlands’ participation to end before any deal can be made.