---
title: "Antonio Conte backs Ake to step in for Luiz"
canonical: "https://readchelsea.com/2017/05/01/antonio-conte-backs-ake-to-step-in-for-luiz/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Sam Tabuteau"
section: "Chelsea News"
published: "2017-05-01T12:27:48Z"
modified: "2017-05-01T12:27:48Z"
---

# Antonio Conte backs Ake to step in for Luiz

Antonio Conte believes that Nathan Ake will be a suitable deputy for injured defender David Luiz, should the Brazilian be ruled out for the crucial upcoming Premier League games, having been taken off late on in  Sunday’s victory over Everton.

Speaking to reports after the game, as reported by [Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11668/10859255/antonio-conte-hopes-david-luiz-will-face-middlesbrough-but-has-faith-in-nathan-ake-to-replace-him), Conte is confident that Luiz will not actually miss any matches, but he has still placed his faith in Ake – who has struggled to break through since returning from an impressive loan spell at Bournemouth in January.

The young Dutch defender has performed admirably in the few appearances he’s made, including against Tottenham in the FA Cup semi-final.

> I didn’t speak with the doctor about his (Luiz’s) injury but I don’t think it is a serious injury for him. I hope in the next game that David Luiz is available to play. Also now in this part of the season, it is important sometimes to try to play if you are not 100 percent with your condition.

The Italian head coach admitted that Ake looked assured and experienced when he was called upon at Goodison Park.

> I am very pleased for the impact of Ake in (the Everton) game. He came on and I think he looks a veteran and it is great.
>
> He is only a young player that started to play for two years, Watford and Bournemouth, and now is showing great commitment, work-rate, concentration when I ask him to play. It is great for him.
>
> It is not easy to be used to play every game for Bournemouth and to arrive for Chelsea and stay on the bench and sometimes understand.
>
> But I think he understood I trust him because I put him in the (FA Cup) semi-final against Tottenham. I put him now in a very important moment for us.

It appears that Ake is now seen as first choice cover for Chelsea’s defence, overtaking Kurt Zouma in the hunt for a starting berth due to his ball playing ability.