JAKARTA - The Dutch national team had to be wary of Argentine striker Julian Alvarez who was quiet when the two met at the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals, Friday the day after tomorrow, said Nathan Ake.
Alvarez looked stunning to Argentina in Qatar, scoring in the final game of the group stage against Poland and their latest win in the last 16 against Australia.
The 22-year-old striker has also made an impact since joining Manchester City and Ake, who are also playing at the English club, raising his compatriots in the Netherlands not to underestimate the Argentina's ability even though he is quiet.
"As a player he is very technical, it is very difficult to mark him even though during training, very sharp, a good finish, so it will be tough," Ake said.
"He's an amazing player but also a great guy off the pitch. He's a little quiet.
"He's still learning English and he comes from different environments so this is all new to him but he is adjusting very well."
The Netherlands have defeated champions from Africa, Asia, and North America at this World Cup and the South American team is currently their target.
Ake said trying to stop Lionel Messi would be a "good challenge" and she couldn't wait for the meeting of the two iconic teams at the World Cup.
"Fan Argentina is very good, they are always there, they created a great atmosphere," he said.
"They love football, they go to watch football and they enjoy it and as a footballer you want an atmosphere like that."
Argentina beat the Netherlands on penalties in the 2014 World Cup semifinals following a 0-0 draw in Sao Paulo.
Louis van Gaal was the Dutch coach at that time and now. Ake said the players wanted to fight well for the coach before he stepped down from his position at the end of the tournament.
"Since he arrived he has had a tremendous influence on us, he is very straightforward and he makes everyone know what he holds," Ake said of Van Gaal.
"If you're a starter or if you're on the bench then you really know what to do in this team.
"I think that's what makes things clear to us."
According to Ake, Van Gaal is also someone who does not need sympathy after undergoing treatment for the prostas cancer he has suffered.
"It's very inspiring," said Ake.
"He never really talked about it so I think it was his biggest part."
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