Manchester City hero Nedum Onuoha believes Nathan Ake is set for a big season ahead.

Ake played 45-minutes in the 2-0 friendly win over Preston North End, after which he said he will be doing everything he can to ensure he is in top shape for the new season and Onuoha feels City will see the best of the 26-year-old if he can put together a run of games.

“I think he is a very good player," Onuoha told City's website.

“For this year I think health is going to be huge – he did play a good number of games last season – but health is going to be huge because then he can put his best foot forward.

“I think he is one of those players when he is doing so, he is very, very good and for City having that strength in depth - I think that whoever plays back there it makes no difference - and that is a great spot to potentially be in.

“Touch wood he can have a better go this year and show what he is about."