Pep Guardiola has praised the versatility and commitment of Manchester City centre-back Nathan Ake, describing the Dutch international as ‘a joy to have in the City squad.’

Ake claimed his third Premier League start of the season against the Clarets and produced a solid and efficient display at left-back to help City record their sixth clean sheet in the league already this term.

Having produced such an encouraging performance in an unfamiliar position, Guardiola was quick to hail the former Bournemouth man and admit that he could be an alternative option at left-back moving forward.

“Nathan is an alternative [at left-back]. He is not a left-back to do overlaps…he is not just this type of guy,” Guardiola, speaking after Saturday’s victory said, as quoted by City’s club website.

“But he is so focused, so concentrated. He is an intelligent guy and on Saturday our build-up was with three at the back with Aymer [Laporte] more in the centre and John [Stones] more on the right. It suited us perfectly.

“Against a team like Burnley, they are strong in the air and at set pieces and corners and it helped to have a player Nathan alongside John, Aymer and Rodri then Ferna [Fernandinho] in the last few minutes.

“It’s a joy to have him — Nathan is a great guy.

“He always trains well and is loved by the team. This type of person when I can give them minutes, I am really pleased for them.”

These Guardiola’s comment on Nathan has prompt some Manchester City fans to react on social media.

Can already see him starting in a crucial UCL KO game ahead of Cancelo when everyone least expects it.
— Anirudh (@The_AnirudhS) October 18, 2021

I thought he was superb on Saturday. Probably his best match in a blue shirt…
— Mark Eastwood (@Record_Peddler) October 18, 2021

He’s definitely improving to say the least
— MH ⁷💙🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (@7Mcfcmax) October 17, 2021

Ake is one of us now 🔵
— Jacob Elout-Armstrong (@Jacob4rmstrong) October 17, 2021

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