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Antonio Conte: This is the real reason Chelsea recalled Nathan Ake from Bournemouth loan
ANTONIO CONTE believes Nathan Ake is now ready to fight for a first-team spot in Chelsea's first-team.
Nathan Ake impressed Antonio Conte during his Bournemouth loan spell
Antonio Conte switched to his favoured 3-4-3 formation at the start of September and believes Ake will be a useful option for the remainder of Chelsea's season.
The Dutchman can play as a centre-back as well as a at left-back - and Conte is eager to find out if he's a natural at wing-back.
Antonio Conte keen to find out if Nathan Ake can play as a wing-bak
The 21-year-old has only featured 12 times for Chelsea's senior team since joining in 2011, but Conte believes he's now ready to become a first-team regular after spells at Watford and Bournemouth in the top-flight.
"I called him back because I think he’s showing that he’s ready to stay in the squad of Chelsea," Conte said. "Chelsea is his home.
Nathan Ake scored three goals for Bournemouth
"In the last season he played with Watford, and this season he was with Bournemouth. He’s shown he deserves to stay at a great team like Chelsea.
"I’m pleased he’s come back. Ake gives me an important option because we are playing with three central defenders.
"He can play on the left and in the middle. It’s important to see in training sessions if he can also play wing-back.’