Fansided

10 young players to watch

By James Dudko

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 04: Leicester City's Demarai Gray during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Sunderland at The King Power Stadium on April 4, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Stephen White - CameraSport via Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 04: Leicester City's Demarai Gray during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Sunderland at The King Power Stadium on April 4, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Stephen White - CameraSport via Getty Images) /
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MARBELLA, SPAIN – JULY 15: Nathan Ake of AFC Bournemouth looks on during a Pre Season Friendly match between AFC Bournemouth and Estoril Praia at the Marbella Football Center on July 15, 2017 in Marbella, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
MARBELLA, SPAIN – JULY 15: Nathan Ake of AFC Bournemouth looks on during a Pre Season Friendly match between AFC Bournemouth and Estoril Praia at the Marbella Football Center on July 15, 2017 in Marbella, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images) /

3. Nathan Ake, defender, Bournemouth

Former Chelsea prospect Nathan Ake has used several loan spells at former clubs to offer glimpses of his undoubted talent. Now the 22-year-old must prove he’s ready to be a full-time talisman.

Ake joined Bournemouth in a deal worth up to £20 million earlier this summer. It brought an end to his six-year stint at Chelsea.

The Cherries know all about Ake’s ability, having featured the player on loan for the first half of last season. Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe will now count on the young Dutchman to bolster one of the Premier League’s worst defenses.

Ake’s best position is probably center-back, but he can also operate as a holding midfielder protecting the back four.

Howe will likely prefer to play Ake at the back, as he did last season, ensuring Bournemouth have a ball-playing center-back for their possession-based style. Ake also played at the back when he was recalled by Chelsea late last season.

This is a decisive season for Ake, who is no longer being given a cameo role. The Cherries will count on the Netherlands international to be a star in their push for a European place.