Cape Town - Bournemouth
manager Eddie Howe remains hopeful that defender Nathan Ake will stay
at the club until the end of the campaign after revealing that Chelsea
can recall the on-loan player.
Ake, who is comfortable at left-back as well as in midfield, has impressed at the Cherries during his temporary spell.
After initially having to fight for a spot in Howe's starting XI, the 21-year-old has in recent weeks become an integral part of the Englishman's plans - scoring three goals in his last six games.
And the former Feyenoord trainee has proven to be classy left-footed player that could easily fit into his parent club's Chelsea's new 3-4-3 system, which worries Howe.
"I thought he was excellent (against Southampton). He scored a great goal and I thought he defended really well," he told The Daily Echo.
"I thought his positioning was excellent. He used the ball well. So I think he can be very pleased with his day`s work.
"There is a clause where they (Chelsea) can recall him. I hope the fact he's playing and playing very well for us will mean that he will stay, but we will see."
Ake's team-mate Harry Arter has backed the Netherlands youth international to break into the Blues side when he eventually returns to Stamford Bridge.
"Nathan deserves all the plaudits he's getting at the moment, and I've no doubt that next year he'll go back to Chelsea and play in their side," he told The Evening Standard.
"I personally feel he's more than good enough, especially with the system they're playing now.
"And it's a credit to him because he's worked really hard, even when he wasn't in the team, and he deserves all the praise he's getting."
Bournemouth next face a trip to Stamford Bridge where Ake will be unavailable to play against his parent-club due to a clause in his loan deal.
Kick off is at 17:00.