CHERRIES defender Nathan Ake believes former team-mate Lys Mousset possessed “all the attributes” for success and added: “I’ve always known he’s a very good player.”

The pair could come face-to-face tomorrow (2pm) when Eddie Howe’s men take on Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

Frenchman Mousset made the switch between the clubs in the summer, having linked up with the Blades for £10million.

He has since gone on to score five times for Chris Wilder’s side and register three assists. Mousset totalled five goals and one assist during his 71-game spell at Cherries.

Ake, who could end up marking Mousset, told the Daily Echo: “He’s a very good player, I’ve always known he’s a very good player and he’s a very good friend as well.

“We have a good friendship, we still keep in contact and it will 100 per cent be good to see him.

“He is a very nice guy, a chilled guy. He is French so we could speak French to each other and do stuff together.

“He’s got all the attributes I think. He’s quick, strong, powerful, very technical – it will be a tough test.”

Cherries go into the contest knowing a win would be their third in a row in the Premier League and ease concerns of relegation.

Ake added: “We have to fully focus because I think it’s massive, especially before the break, to get a win there.

“It will be tough because they are doing very well. We will see how we can play.”