Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has praised the qualities of fellow Dutch defender Nathan Ake.
The Bournemouth defender is rumoured to be on Jose Mourinho’s summer shopping list and could leave the Cherries for around £40million if they are relegated this season (Express).
Tottenham could be in the market for a left-sided central defender with Jan Vertonghen out of contract at the end of the current campaign and has yet to sign a new deal.
The Liverpool player was asked about Ake’s qualities after their 2-1 win against Eddie Howe’s side last weekend and praised the 25-year-old whilst also insisting that to be a top player these days, it takes more than pure footballing ability.
Ake has the added attraction of being labelled as a home-grown player. The ex-Chelsea player spent more than three years at Stamford Bridge before his 21st birthday, meaning he can be included in the homegrown list.
Premier League clubs are able to include 18 foreign players within their squad.
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“First of all, he’s a fantastic guy,” Van Dijk told the Daily Echo.
“I speak with him quite a bit at the national team and I think he’s a fantastic player as well.
“On Saturday he showed with clearances and I think he stepped up when he had the armband as well. It’s just good to see that he’s improving.
“I don’t know what might happen with him in the future with Bournemouth, you just have to stay grounded – but I am not worried about that at all.
“He has the quality but he has to have more than just the quality these days. But he’s still young, he’s improving and you never know what decision might happen.
“It’s all dependent on how the season will end for Bournemouth, too – but I am very positive about him. He’s a fantastic guy and player as well.”
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