DEFENDER Nathan Ake tipped David Brooks to reach the top after hailing his impressive start to the season.

Brooks has enjoyed a fruitful beginning to life in the Premier League with Cherries since sealing a £10million summer move from Sheffield United.

The attacking midfielder, utilised on the wing by boss Eddie Howe this season, has scored two goals in his past two top-flight appearances.

And Dutch star Ake believes Brooks’s star potential could take him to lofty heights.

The former Chelsea man told the Daily Echo: “He can only grow from this. I think if he plays a lot of games he will learn more and more about the Premier League and I think he will be a top player.

“He is very tricky with his feet and is working very hard in training. He is a very tough player to play against one-on-one for sure.

“He has come in straight away and started the first Premier League game, which doesn’t happen too often with young players. He has done very well.”

Both Ake and Brooks are in contention for the Dorset club’s home clash with Southampton on Saturday (3pm).