Unlikely Euro 2024 hero could save Man City millions in transfer window as problem position solved

This is what Nathan Ake does.

There will always be talk of Manchester City needing a 'proper' left-back. Other younger, more exciting players may come along. But after a while, Ake will always be the most reliable option available having maintained a remarkable level of consistency in his game for three seasons now.

Ake has had to work hard to establish himself as a regular for both City and the Netherlands. Moved between centre-back and left-back, he's often been cover at both rather than first-choice. He had locked down left-back for City as they won the treble, before Josko Gvardiol's arrival last summer shifted him back towards the centre.

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He has steadily earned the right to be first choice for Ronald Koeman's Holland side, and is their starting left-back at another major tournament. His performance in their opening win over Poland not only sent a reminder of his defensive qualities but offered a rare insight into the attacking possibilities he can offer at left-back.

After the opening weekend, where 14 of the 24 sides have played, Ake leads the assist charts with two in his nation's 2-1 win over Poland. The first was a clever control into the path of Cody Gakpo - maybe a fortunate assist but still an assist nonetheless - with the second a pass into the six-yard box for Manchester United reject Wout Weghorst to seize upon.

Ake created two other big chances, with only Christian Eriksen producing more key passes in the first round of games so far. His two assists is half the number that won the award for the most