Netherlands defender Nathan Ake has been full of praise for Scotland ahead of tonight’s friendly as he named three players that have really impressed him.
Ake, 29, has come up against several Scots during his time playing for Chelsea, Bournemouth and Manchester City in the English Premier League.
And he was keen to highlight Scotland captain Andy Robertson plus Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay and Aston Villa’s John McGinn, who have all been pivotal to the success under boss Steve Clarke.
Speaking prior to the match at the Amsterdam Arena, Ake said: “Scotland are a very strong team now with good Premier League players. McGinn and McTominay in particular are on top form - they’ve really impressed me.
READ MORE: Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman believes Scotland are a strong team
"Obviously I watch Robertson because he plays left-back and I often do too - but we’re different players. Virgil always tells me what a good guy he is and how much he’s done for Liverpool down the years.
“He’s a top player and a great captain for Scotland. But it’s not about who is the best left-back in the Premier League - I don’t see it that way. As a team Scotland are improving every year and it’s good to see. They’re going to give us a really tough game on Friday night.”
Ake experienced a hugely successful club campaign last season, winning five honours including the ilustrious Treble of major trophies. And the Dutchman reckons it’s time he added an international triumph to his impressive CV at Euro 2024 this summer.
He stated: “With five prizes, could last year have been any better? No, for my club it’s been fantastic. But things go quick in football and we’re already in the new year.
“I’m focused on finishing the season well with Manchester City but also with the Dutch team. Would I swap those five trophies for one Euros? That’s too hard a question to answer, it’s impossible. In the past, we’ve said we have a really good group with the Dutch national team. But we now have big players at big clubs, competing for the biggest prizes.
“So it’s time to show that confidence. I’m not saying we’ll win the Euros - but we have to fight for something together now. We should expect that of each other. We’re a good group but it’s now time to start showing it on the pitch.”
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