NATHAN Ake says his versatility acts as both a help and a hindrance in his bid to establish himself as a Premier League footballer.

The Chelsea player, on a season-long loan with Cherries, prefers to be deployed as a deep-lying midfielder.

During his successful one-year stay at Watford, however, Ake played regularly as a left-back.

He can also function in the middle of defence, as he did in both of Cherries’ EFL Cup ties this season.

Asked by the Daily Echo whether his jack-of-all-trades reputation was a blessing or a curse, Ake said: “Both actually.

"Sometimes, you do just want to specialise in one position and be the best you can there.

“But sometimes it is good to be able to play different positions because the manager can put you in the team there. It can be good to mix it around.”

Ake made 20 Premier League starts for Watford last season and he is desperate for a taste of the action with his current loan club.

“If you play every week, like last season, you want to continue it,” he said.

“But in football it can go like this sometimes. I just need to keep working hard and, hopefully, the chance will come again," added Ake.