DEFENDER Nathan Ake revealed how he had been keen to become a leader at Cherries – despite being unable to guide his group to sailing success in La Manga.

The Dutch international took charge of a crew which featured the likes of Ryan Fraser, Dominic Solanke and Nnamdi Ofoborh for the team bonding challenge on the beach in Murcia.

Despite Eddie Howe admitting he thought at one stage Ake’s group were not going to finish, the Dutchman managed to keep his team going.

Ake was also entrusted with the captain’s armband during the club’s pre-season victory at Brentford last month.

Asked whether a leadership aspect was something he wanted to develop, the former Chelsea man said: “I think so, I think that’s something I want to and need to improve.

“I am getting a little bit older now and a little bit more experienced. That’s where I need to try to make sure everyone is okay and doing well, at the same time doing well myself.”

Reflecting on the sailing task in Spain, the 24-year-old said: “We didn’t have the best instructor so our team lost and we had to do a few challenges but it’s always good to do team bonding. The team really comes together.

“We do a few each year and our pre-season trips are always good.

“We lost so my head wasn’t right! We didn’t fall over but we just didn’t gain pace, we just stayed the same.”

One other player the centre-half also shared a boat with during pre-season was French frontman Lys Mousset.

And Ake could come up against the striker at Vitality Stadium tomorrow (3pm) following his move to Sheffield United.

Asked whether Mousset would be out to prove a point against his former employers, Ake replied: “Yeah maybe, I don’t know. Obviously, he wants to do well.

“He made a move, he wants to start playing games. I hope he does really well but apart from the first game, obviously.”