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Is Nathan Ake right to suggest young players need to leave Chelsea in order to get game-time?
Ex-Chelsea player Nathan Ake has launched a scathing attack on his former club’s youth system after suggesting his move to Bournemouth came from the need to ‘play more games’, as reported by the .
His comments come after Antonio Conte said: “Sometimes I think the young players lose their patience very quickly. The first thing they should have is good patience. Then work very hard to know that to play at this level you must be stronger – and very good.”
Despite the Italian’s words, Ake felt he had to leave the Blues in order to progress his career. The 22-year-old, who was recalled to Stamford Bridge after a stellar loan spell at Bournemouth last season, rejoined the South Coast club permanently this summer.
The Dutchman suggested that making a move was vital, saying: “It is a short career, I’m 22 now and I feel like I have had a good experience playing games and you just want to continue doing that.”
He has a strong point too. Having played regularly under Eddie Howe last season, he then went on to play only five times between January and May following his recall by Conte.
Frustrated by his lack of playing time, Ake left the London club. Yet, his former employers have taken little on board after losing their highly-rated prospect.
Chelsea have arguably continued to damage their youth players prospects by spending monumental amounts this transfer window. They join Manchester United and Manchester City in purchasing over £100 million worth of new talent.
Ake’s former employers have arguably added to every position that had a young player awaiting their opportunity. Antonio Rudiger’s arrival made up for the loss of the Dutch defender while Alvaro Morata’s signing covers for Dominic Solanke’s exit.
The acquisition of Monaco’s Tiemoue Bakayoko has furthered the depth in midfield, which will undoubtedly add further frustration for Lewis Baker, while also leading to Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s exit on loan.
It seems there is truth in Ake’s, as he suggests the big clubs are extremely difficult to break into. The additions Chelsea have made this summer have strengthened the Blues ahead of the next campaign, but have also proven a setback in the trajectory of their talented young players.
While experienced internationals join, young stars like Ake continue to leave in order to play regular football. It is becoming clear that the only way to do this is by joining a smaller team, rather than sticking around to break into one of the elite Premier League clubs.