Nathan Ake exclusive: How Man City defender became 'fundamental' for Pep Guardiola's treble winners

First-season-syndrome has been a common affliction for newcomers at Man City under Pep Guardiola. Nathan Ake's story is no different. He's endured a lot of frustration and required more patience than most, but his determination is now bearing fruit.

Ake spent his first two seasons in and out of the team unable to nail down a regular starting spot. When talk of a move to Chelsea arose last summer it appeared his City adventure could be over before it really began. Lucky for him, and for City, the transfer never materialised.

Ake played more games en route to the treble than in the last two seasons combined. And, despite only just returning from injury, it was him that was picked to start the Champions League final in Istanbul while Kyle Walker sat on the bench. In Guardiola's words, Ake had become fundamental.

Adjusting to the exhaustive demands of Guardiola can take time. But there's a different side to the detail-obsessed winner we see gesticulating wildly on the touchline each week. A more patient side that perhaps is not recognised enough.

"Guardiola's been massive for me," Ake tells Sky Sports. "Having had my first season that wasn't great in terms of injuries and playing time and not playing my best when I was playing, he always kept that faith in me.

"He could have said, 'Nah, this is not it', after the first season. But he always spoke to me and told me, 'Don't worry, keep going, the chances will come'. The second season gave me the confidence to push on and from there, I started to gain more confidence, to learn more from him and to understand what he wants more."

So how does a nearly-dispensed-of defender turn around his fortunes quite so quickly to become a key pillar in one of the most successful British sides ever?