Nathan Ake is reaping the rewards for working hard when he wasn't playing for Manchester City last season, manager Pep Guardiola says.
Ake was on the fringes for the first two seasons at City, but has this year established himself as first choice at left-back.
His form has forced Joao Cancelo to seek a loan move away to Bayern Munich, and no defender has made more appearances than Ake this season.
Guardiola has previously praised Ake for his model attitude whenever he was out of the team, and has expanded on that idea to claim that the Dutchman has now earned his 'karma' for his hard work over the last two years. ALSO READ: Man City may get glimpse of future midfield if Kalvin Phillips starts for England vs Italy "These types of players play good because when they were not playing, they were always the most generous, with the most commitment for the club," Guardiola told Sky Sports. "When this happens, you do not have regrets because you are prepared.