Nathan Ake debuted as a wing-back, but his Chelsea future is at centre-back
Nathan Ake started at left wing-back against Brentford, before shifting to centre-back upon Kenedy’s introduction. Despite the start, Ake’s future at Chelsea is as a centre-back.
Antonio Conte cited Nathan Ake’s versatility as a major reason for recalling the homegrown Dutchman from Bournemouth. Ake played at centre-back for the Cherries, but prior to Bournemouth he had cycled through defence and defensive midfield.
Conte spoke about how he was preparing to use Ake in both roles. Chelsea have sufficient depth at midfield – particularly holding midfield – and have significant needs in the backline. Chelsea could use cover for Marcos Alonso at left wing-back, but Ake did not seem to be the answer to that question.
Conte, though, believes that Ake has that potential and tested him with the start against Brentford. Ake talked about when he learned of his new role and how his first day went.
"On the first day I was back, [Antonio Conte] called me into his office and explained the different positions he sees me in and what he expects from me when I play those positions… It’s a hard position, of course, but I enjoyed it. A lot of up and down, so you need a lot of energy. I was kind of tired at the end. – Chelsea FC"
Ake looked most comfortable attending to the defensive duties of the wing-back role. Ake dominated the air and closed down Brentford’s attackers with sharp regularity. Going forward, though, Ake did not set up the overlapping runs or make crosses as a wing-back – like Marcos Alonso – must be adept at doing.
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Kenedy is a much more natural wing-back, as he has the diverse skill sets necessary for the position. He is not so much versatile across positions as he is a blend of attributes that lend themselves to a single position: wing-back.
However, whether due to the brevity of his appearance or his comfort in the team, Kenedy did not make the strongest impression in his return.
"Kenedy’s on odd one, because he has so much potential but it may be because of Ake’s performance that he was a bit forgettable in the game… Bringing him on that late in the game wasn’t going to add anything for him. For the rest of the season, I can’t see him getting that much time on the pitch, even for the FA Cup. – Rayna Sidhu, The Blue Lions"
Based on the tie against Brentford and Chelsea’s needs, Nathan Ake will likely see many more minutes this season than Kenedy. Kenedy will learn the position and Antonio Conte’s demands as much from watching Marcos Alonso as from training. Kenedy will provide depth at left wing-back rather than directly challenge for the role.
Nathan Ake, on the other hand, is already a direct threat to Gary Cahill’s place in the lineup. Cahill has a remarkable ability to stay in Chelsea’s squad despite his form or the circumstances around him.
Ake will be Cahill’s greatest challenge. Cahill has shown the resilience and determination to fight for his place and his squad. This time, though, that may not be enough when it comes to a simple question of skill and acumen.
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Ake and Kenedy sharing the pitch at Stamford Bridge was another reassuring sight for followers of Chelsea’s loan army. Now that they are back, the question is how can they and Antonio Conte deliver on their promise as Chelsea drives towards the Premier League title.