CHERRIES star Nathan Ake has welcomed the appointment of Ronald Koeman as the new Netherlands national team coach.

Koeman was unveiled at the start of February as a successor to Dick Advocaat, who stepped down following their failed bid to reach the World Cup finals in Russia.

Capped 78 times by his country, he has been tasked with leading the nation during their Euro 2020 and Qatar World Cup 2022 qualifying campaigns.

It is the 54-year-old’s 10th managerial post after spells in charge of Vitesse Arnhem, Ajax, Benfica, PSV Eindhoven, Valencia, AZ Alkmaar, Feyenoord, Southampton and Everton.

Ake, who has won five caps, will be hoping to be named in Koeman's first squad for friendlies against England and Portugal later this month.

The 23-year-old defender, who has started their past three internationals against Scotland, Romania and Sweden, told the Daily Echo: “He is a really good manager, he has shown that and he has a good character.

“I think he will be good for the national team. He is a legend all over Holland for what he did for the national team.

“He is a really big character for the Dutch people so I think it is good for the national team.

“Hopefully, if I get picked, he can speak to me about my game and help me with a few things.

“Not getting to the World Cup was a big disappointment but we have won the past few games, maybe not with the best way of playing but we are winning games and have to carry it on.

"The next two games are good friendlies so, hopefully, we can keep it going.

“The appointment of a new manager is maybe a chance for everyone to be involved in the squad.

"This manager likes to get young players through as well and, hopefully, we can start building the national team again and start doing well.”