Bournemouth fans need not worry if prized asset Nathan Ake is sold in January, as a potential replacement can be found in Real Betis’ Aissa Mandi.
Ake on the radar
Bournemouth’s impressive start to the 18/19 season has seen them take 16 points from 8 games, a significant improvement on the 4 points they managed in as many games last season. One of their standout performers has been Netherlands international Ake, whose commanding performances alongside Steve Cook have seen him record some of his best stats to date in the Premier League.
The 5-foot-11 defender was man of the match against Crystal Palace on 1st October and the Premier League calculates his average tackling success as 80%. As a result of his impressive showings, the former Chelsea man has been subject to attention from Manchester United and Spurs according to The Daily Star.
If those clubs are willing to put their money where their mouth is they can expect to pay upwards of £40m to get their man, but if the offer proves too good to turn down for the Cherries, there is a suitable replacement in sunny Spain.
Why is Mandi the man?
Algerian international Aissa Mandi’s side, Real Betis, have also had an exciting beginning to their campaign. The former Stade Reims man has played the full 90 minutes for the Seville outfit in every game so far, keeping five clean sheets and winning 1.5 aerial duels per game as he helped his side take 12 points from from their first eight outings.
The 26-year-old is similarly composed on the ball to Ake and can play all across the back four, making him extremely versatile. He has also chipped in with an assist, showing that he can be effective going forward too.
A centre-back who is adept at bringing the ball out from the back is perfectly suited to Eddie Howe’s team, who have found success by countering teams at pace. Mandi is capable of spraying balls out to the wing or to the striker with greater success than most defenders in the Premier League; he has recorded an incredible passing success rate of 94.4% so far this season according to WhoScored.
The 6 footer is valued at £8.1m by Transfermarkt, a small price to pay for such a well-rounded player in his prime years who also has experience at international level. He would be a natural replacement for Ake if Bournemouth cannot keep hold of him come the New Year.
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