Man City clinch gold with 9/10 Euros star player who is more valuable than Kevin De Bruyne

He performed exceptionally well in the inaugural match of the tournament for his country.

Manchester City has the highest number of players participating in Euro 2024 than any other club in Europe. Some of their athletes have yet to play a game, and not all of them have gotten off to a winning start. Nevertheless, Phil Foden of England and Rodri of Spain secured victories.

Nathan Ake also delivered an exceptional performance, which helped the Netherlands establish a winning streak.

In spite of their 2-1 victory, the Netherlands required a late goal to defeat Poland, who were without Robert Lewandowski. Poland took the lead with an early goal from Adam Buksa, but the Netherlands were able to equalise with a long-range effort from Liverpool attacker Cody Gakpo.

The Netherlands did not score a winning goal until the 83rd minute. Former Manchester United striker Wout Weghorst capitalised on a cross into the box, recognising the opportunity as a skilled striker, to secure the lead for his team.

However, Ronald Koeman’s team faced a late fright when Brighton custodian Bart Verbruggen was compelled to parry a shot away from the goal before the rebound was fired into the side netting. The Netherlands achieved a significant victory, with Ake providing an especially impressive performance.

The Manchester City defender was instrumental in his team’s triumph, providing an assist for Gakpo’s goal and directing the deflected cross that landed on Weghorst for the winning goal. This resulted in him receiving a post-match rating of 9/10 from Goal.com journalist Tom Maston.

Matson detailed in his report that Ake, who served as a third centre-back when his team was in possession, “made a couple of excellent interventions” during the defence. Nevertheless, the centre-back also asserted himself during the offensive phase, as evidenced by his assist, which Matson characterised as “causing problems when he did step forward.”

Sofascore indicates that the City player emerged victorious in his solitary aerial duel and ground duel of the match, in addition to winning his sole tackle, which was a critical last-man challenge. Additionally, he secured four clearances for his team.

Ake maintained his composure while possessing the ball, as one would anticipate from a player who is under the guidance of Pep Guardiola.

He achieved a 94% accuracy rate by completing 63 of 64 passes. He executed four critical passes and generated one significant opportunity. All of this was in addition to his assistance for Gakpo. The day at the office was exceptional.

The Citizens’ decision to sing Ake has been a masterstroke for a variety of reasons. Initially, he has been a critical component of four title-winning teams under Guardiola, and he also won the treble as a City player. In total, he has appeared for the club on 125 occasions.

Nevertheless, his transfer value has increased since they spent £40 million on the Dutchman to acquire him from Bournemouth in August 2020.

Currently, his value is estimated at £42 million by the CIES Football Observatory, indicating a modest increase. Nevertheless, it is expected that City could obtain a higher price for the 29-year-old if they were to transfer him. In conclusion, City has executed an exceptional commercial venture.

Ake is, in fact, more valuable than several of City’s current talents. Kevin De Bruyne is currently valued at £17 million, which is more than half of the Dutchman’s market value. This follows a challenging season during which he was hampered by injuries. Last season, the Belgian talisman was absent from 42 games for both his club and his country.

Additionally, the Dutch defender is more valuable than the English triumvirate of Jack Grealish, John Stones, and Kyle Walker. Grealish and Stones are both valued at a mere £34 million, while Walker is even less valuable, valued at a mere £13 million. Gareth Southgate excluded Grealish from his roster, resulting in only the latter two attending Euro 2024.

City have found gold in Ake, it is a reasonable assessment. They possess an exceptional, versatile athlete who has experienced an increase in value and has become even more proficient since his arrival at the club. He could be a significant contributor under Guardiola as they endeavour to reclaim their treble in the 2024/25 campaign, despite his young age of 29.