When Nathan Ake returned to Chelsea for pre-season training this summer he had a difficult decision to make. The Dutchman had the chance to stay at Stamford Bridge and attempt to force himself into a multi-million pound side or go on loan for the second time in six months. He opted for the latter.

“I came back to Chelsea from my summer holidays and tried to work out what would be the best option for me,” the assured 20-year-old said.

“I spoke to the manager (Jose Mourinho) a little bit and he said I can stay and be around the team. I told him I want to be playing a lot this season. He understood that.

“We have a good relationship. Hopefully I can show him that next year I can come back and play for Chelsea.”

The versatile Netherlands Under-21 international will attempt to prove himself to Mourinho at Premier League newcomers Watford.

Ake will spend the campaign on loan with the Golden Boys and will work under Hornets head coach Quique Sanchez Flores.

The Spaniard has a track record of developing youngsters. Flores worked with a young David Silva at Valencia, handed David De Gea his chance in the Atletico Madrid first team and awarded Spanish international Koke his professional debut with the Rojiblancos.

And it was Flores’ willingness to put his faith in young players that attracted Ake into making a temporary switch to Vicarage Road.

“I came and spoke to the manager here and it sounded really good. I felt it would be a good opportunity for me,” Ake said.

“He (Flores) is a really good manager but I knew that from just speaking to him. He is very clever and his training and tactics are very good. He really helps me and says age doesn’t matter. He trusts young players which I am happy with.”

The Chelsea defender continued: “It is really important at my age to show people that you can play every week. If you are given a chance you need to show that you are ready to play.

“So if I get that chance I will show everyone I am ready. Things are going alright now and I am hoping to get more minutes.”

Ake joined Watford a week into the Premier League season and it has taken the youngster time to adapt to Flores’ tactical system.

However, he has now made substitute appearances in the Hornets’ last two matches and impressed after coming off the bench against Crystal Palace at the weekend in the role of left-back.

It is not a position Ake believes he will play regularly throughout his career but, like any young player, he is simply grateful for being trusted in a Premier League side's first-team.

“In the end I think I will play as a six (defensive midfield) in my opinion but I don’t mind where I play at the moment, the only thing I want to do is play well,” he said.

“I joined Watford late and missed pre-season. So it was difficult for me because I was a couple of weeks behind everyone else.

“I am starting to train more with the team and the coach knows me better now. I’ve come on in the last couple of games and hopefully I can play many times this season.”

Much has been made since the summer transfer window closed of how many players have been loaned out by Chelsea this season.

Thirty-three players, young and experienced, are plying their trade away from Stamford Bridge this term with varying goals.

Some will hope to catch the eye of other clubs in hope of earning a move elsewhere while several youngsters are attempting to prove they are good enough to play for the Premier League champions.

Ake falls into that second category. “I think at one point you have to think about yourself,” he said. “It is important to play a lot of games and to show that you are ready for Chelsea.

“If they don’t think you are ready then you go out on loan again and try to impress them. The most important thing though is to prove to yourself that you are ready and hopefully I will do that here at Watford.”