PAL VAN DRIVING ME ON SAYS AKE
NATHAN AKE has revealed Virgil van Dijk is giving him a helping hand in his bid to be a defensive giant for club and country.
The Holland team-mates face each other today when Ake’s Bournemouth host Van Dijk and leaders Liverpool.
Van Dijk this week finished second behind Lionel Messi in the voting for the Ballon d’Or after helping Liverpool win the Champions League last season.
“He’s a fantastic player and man,” said Ake, 24.
“He’s a very good guy off the pitch as well. Everyone knows how he plays but one of his biggest qualities is that he likes to help people, especially on the pitch.
“When I’m playing with him, he’s trying to give you instructions to help each other positionally and to provide cover.
“He is a big leader for the team, so to learn from somebody like that is perfect for me.
“I try to take everything I can from his game that will help me improve and become a better player.”
Ake will have his work cut out trying to keep a lid on Liverpool hotshots Sadio Mane, Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino.
The Reds have scored 14 goals without response in their last four meetings with the Cherries.
But Ake, speaking at the launch of Need For Speed Heat, believes Van Dijk is the man who really makes Liverpool tick.
The former Chelsea centre-back added: “They had the best defence in the league last season and have reached two Champions League finals. I don’t think that’s a coincidence.”
■ NATHAN AKE was speaking at the launch of Need
For Speed Heat, out now for PlayStation 4,
Xbox One and PC. Order your copy at: ea.com/en-gb/ games/need-for-speed/ eed-for-speed-heat