Nathan Ake: Bournemouth loanee looking forward to midfield role

Nathan Ake was part of the Watford team that reached last season's FA Cup semi-final

Bournemouth loanee Nathan Ake says he has joined the Cherries from parent club Chelsea to gain Premier League experience as a central midfielder.

Ake, 21, played predominantly as a left-back during 28 appearances on loan at Watford last season.

New Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is behind the idea of a midfield role for the Netherlands Under-21 international.

"To get an eye on how I cope, I think he wants to see me play a season there in the Premier League," Ake said.

"The manager has been in discussions with the technical director (Michael Emenalo) at Chelsea. After this season, we'll see how I get on," he told BBC Radio Solent.

Ake was part of the Watford side who reached last season's FA Cup semi-final as well as a 13th-place finish in the Hornets' first season back in the top flight.

After joining the rest of the Bournemouth squad on a 10-day pre-season training trip to Chicago, he said he was looking forward to the challenge.

"I'm looking to improve myself as a player and get more games under my belt," he added.

"There are also little things I can work on, but it depends which position I'm going to play. I know I can improve a lot of things, hopefully I can do that here."