CHERRIES’ record signing Nathan Ake admits his versatility may have been a hindrance rather than a help and is keen to make his mark as a central defender.

Ake last week completed a £20million move from Chelsea following a successful loan spell at Vitality Stadium during the first half of last season.

The 22-year-old Dutchman was deployed in a number of different positions by Eddie Howe – with the Cherries boss confirming he had earmarked Ake as a centre-back.

Ake was used predominantly at left-back while on loan at Watford in 2015-16 and sometimes operated as a left-wing back at Chelsea under Antonio Conte.

And former Chelsea managers José Mourinho and Rafael Benítez also played him as a deep-lying central midfielder.

Ake made his full debut for Cherries in central defence alongside Marc Wilson during the EFL Cup victory against Morecambe in August.

He also featured in central midfield and filled in at left-back during the second half of the epic 4-3 victory over Liverpool in December – when he scored a dramatic late winner.

Asked by the Daily Echo whether he felt his versatility had hindered him, Ake replied: “Yes, maybe. It’s difficult.

“Before I came here last season, my preferred position was as a six, holding. I came here as that.

“But in training, I had an opportunity to play centre-back and then played there in the game as well. I felt quite comfortable.

“I felt my passing and technical game improved under Eddie but there are still a lot of things to learn.”

Asked whether he needed to find a set position, Ake added: “There are pluses and minuses.

“Sometimes you want to focus on one position and specialize in this position.

“But, on the other hand, it is also good for a manager to have someone who can play in more than one position and it can be good for you as well.”

Ake revealed former Chelsea star John Terry had been a big influence on his career and said he hoped his ex-Stamford Bridge team-mate would continue to help him.

“There are a lot of players who have helped me and talked to me,” said Ake. “The main ones were JT and Paolo Ferreira. When I was coming through, he was always talking to me.

“I have always kept in contact with JT. Even when I was on loan, he would send me text messages saying either ‘well played’ or ‘keep going’.

“Even when you were away, he would always stay in touch. After games when I scored a goal or had done well, he would text ‘well done’ or ‘congratulations’ and things like this.

“We still speak and we will keep in contact."

Ake is expected to feature when Cherries play their first pre-season friendly against Estoril in Marbella on Saturday. Eddie Howe's squad are at a training camp in southern Spain.