Nathan Aké: 'I still have a lot to learn' at Watford

Nathan Aké arrived at Chelsea from Eredivisie club Feyenoord in 2011 and since then, he has shown his versatility at youth and professional level, playing in various positions across the defence and midfield. Now on loan at Watford, Aké has been the club's starting left back since October, working hard to keep his starting spot in a Premier League team, even if not at his preferred position:

"Things are getting better, though I still have a lot to learn. I have never been in so many games in a row as a left-back now."

"I've worked hard to be able to play there. Now I need to do my best in every game and training so that I can stay there."

"I think I prefer [playing as] defensive midfielder. [...] But I also like to play left-back."

Outside of his club duties, Aké also has been a staple in the youth ranks of the Netherlands national team, having recorded 17 appearances for the U21 squad since 2013. His ultimate goal is to be able to play at the top level with the Oranje; he knows he will get his opportunity by showing his abilities on the pitch:

"Of course I want to play [for the Netherlands national team] as soon as possible, but I will wait quietly and I just have to make sure I keep playing well in my games at Watford."

-Nathan Aké; source: NOS

Along with loanees such as Andreas Christensen at Borussia Mönchengladbach and John Swift at Brentford, Nathan Aké's Premier League loan spell is proving to be a success so far. Hopefully his drive to succeed at Watford will also lead him to opportunities with Chelsea in the near future.