EDDIE Howe backed defensive linchpin Nathan Ake to be a driving force behind Dutch football’s rebuilding job.

The 22-year-old has been a star performer at the heart of Cherries’ backline this season.

He is currently listed in the top five in the Premier League for both number of clearances and headed clearances.

Ake has helped the Dorset club to back-to-back clean sheets in wins over Newcastle and Huddersfield.

The former Chelsea man has represented Holland from under-15 to senior level and started both of his country’s friendly fixtures this month.

Featuring at left-back, he played 90 minutes as the Dutch kept clean sheets against Scotland and Romania.

Those were to be boss Dick Advocaat’s final games in charge, with the Dutch having missed out on qualification to the 2018 World Cup finals.

And Howe believes with Ake’s youth and ability, he can play a starring role in the nation’s future.

The Cherries boss told the Daily Echo: “I think when you look at Nathan’s international career it is a huge thing for him.

“It should not be underestimated to be a full Dutch international, albeit in a different position.

“That shows his versatility and he has had that his whole career.

“It is a tremendous achievement for someone so young and I only see great things for him in the future.

“I would like to think they would re-build around players like Nathan with the youth and quality he has.

“It should be an exciting time for him. He has to make sure he does very well for us and that will only enhance his future prospects but, at the moment, I have to say he is playing very well.”

Ake played 10 times in the Premier League during a fruitful loan spell with Cherries last season before he was recalled by Chelsea in January.

Following his return to Stamford Bridge, he featured just twice in the top flight as well as playing three games in the FA Cup.

Since his club record £20million switch to Vitality Stadium in the summer, the defender has started every Premier League fixture for Cherries.

He is expected to be involved tomorrow when Howe’s men face Swansea at the Liberty Stadium (3pm).

And boss Howe insisted the former Feyenoord youngster has played a huge part in his side’s recent shutouts.

“I think he is putting his stamp on things and making a real mark on the team,” the manager added.

“It was difficult for Nathan last season because he was just beginning to get his rhythm with us and then he was called back by Chelsea.

“With the start to this season we had, it was difficult for any player coming into our team. In effect Nathan was new and coming back into it.

“But he has really impressed in recent weeks and looks like he is going to develop into an outstanding player for us.”