Bournemouth boss opens up on recent signing of Chelsea youngster

Following Nathan Ake's recently completed loan move to AFC Bournemouth for the upcoming 2016-17 season, Cherries' manager Eddie Howe spoke to press, highlighting Ake's versatility as a key factor in the loan deal.

"Nathan had a really good season with Watford and also caught the eye during his loan spell with Reading in the Championship. We have played against him three times in the past couple of seasons and he has performed very well in all three games."

"He was used predominantly at left-back by Watford and also played for them at centre-back. His favoured position is as a central midfielder."

"He is technically very good and is coming to us with a really good year of Premier League games under his belt so we are really excited at the prospect of working with him. We will look to develop his talent and will be keen to see how he fits into the talented squad we have."

"He really did excel for Watford and I think those experiences will benefit us during the coming season."

- Eddie Howe; source: Bournemouth Echo

Encouraging words from Howe, who showed the Premier League last season that newcomers Bournemouth were by no means pushovers. However, one would imagine that the seasiders would still be susceptible to being pulled into the relegation dogfight this season as well.

Having signed Emerson Hyndman from Fulham, Bournemouth currently have six probable first team central midfielders on their books, while the club's player of the year, Charlie Daniels as well as Tyrone Mings are in contention for the left-back spot. Center-back Tommy Elphick recently departed the club to join Aston Villa in the Championship, though, so that spot could be a potential opening for Ake. Where he'll earn most of his minutes next season is still anyone's guess, though. Also mentioned in the article, is that either club can "review" Ake's progress in during the January transfer window, which probably brings some scope of a recall.

Here's to hoping he has just as good a season as he did with Watford, if not better.