Manchester City star Nathan Ake has heaped lavish praise on Eddie Howe after coming up against his former boss on Saturday. The defender started from the outset as Pep Guardiola's side ran out 2-0 winners over Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium.
Ake was heavily linked with a move to St James' Park in the summer as his City career hung by a thread. The Magpies instead signed a different Dutch centre-half in the form of Sven Botman, before Ake salvaged his career at Eastlands with some impressive performances.
Speaking to Arab News after Saturday's clash, Ake praised of Howe, who he worked with for many years at Bournemouth, and spoke highly of their close relationship.
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“You can see the way they [Newcastle] are growing,” Ake said. “They do business very well, with the manager, and everything they do at the moment seems to fit. He always wants the right people — the same as he did at Bournemouth, the ones he wants.
“He was top for me, we had a very good relationship, and still do when we see each other. To see him doing well is so good to see. He was a fantastic manager, not just tactically, but also demanding things of his players.”
Guardiola recently called Newcastle 'title contenders' this season and has also backed Howe's side to disrupt the 'Big Six' in the years to come. Ake adds that he sees similarities between his current and former bosses.
“He’s like Pep, that he gets the best out of players," the defender added. "He’s done that with so many players at Bournemouth, who came with him up from League Two to the Premier League — he made them better and you can see that now. I always thought he would be at a top club.
“At the moment Newcastle are a tough team. It was very tough up there in the league game earlier this season (when it finished 3-3), but it always is.”
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