Nathan Ake has revealed that he considers on-loan Chelsea midfielder Marco Van Ginkel one of his best friends in football.

The Chelsea defender has been used sparingly since Antonio Conte recalled the Dutch international from his loan spell at south coast club Bournemouth.

Ake impressed during his temporary spell at the Cherries after a return of three goals in 10 appearances in the Premier League this season.

The Netherlands international helped Chelsea to ease to victory over Brentford and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the FA Cup.

Van Ginkel, meanwhile, is currently on loan at Stoke City after an injury-hit start to the midfielder’s Chelsea career since his move from the Eredivisie.

However, Ake and Van Ginkel have formed a close bond despite their loan spells away from the west London club.

“Myself and Marco Van Ginkel meet up every few months and our girlfriends are really good friends as well,” Ake told Chelsea’s website.

“We clicked as soon as we met and we like to do things together away from the pitch as well. I didn’t meet him until he signed for Chelsea but I knew who he was before that. It’s always good to meet up with him and this was a good night, he’s a really nice guy.”

Ake scored against Stoke City, Liverpool and Southampton in the Premier League in the current campaign.

Chelsea are sitting 10 points clear of closest title rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.

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