Eddie Howe is a top gaffer. Well respected in the managerial circuit as one of the up and coming managers in the English game, who does not compromise on his philosophies for the be all and end all in football – the result. Such reputation has held him in good stead, as well as his emphasis on long-term player development and conditioning for a high-intensity, and fastidious playing template that is drawn from the school of high-octane attacking football. All virtues that will strive to keep Bournemouth afloat in the deep end of the Premier League – in consequence, players seems to have been attracted to his project, the type of players that could guarantee the Cherries’ chances of consolidating their roots in the top-tier of English football.
Bournemouth’s Star Attractions
Jordon Ibe – Liverpool, £15m
Nathan Ake – Chelsea, loan
Lewis Cook – Leeds, £10m
Brad Smith – Liverpool, £6m
Jack Wilshere – Arsenal, loan
Bournemouth’s Prominent Exits
Sylvain Distin – released
Tommy Elphick – Aston Villa, £3.6m
Matt Ritchie – Newcastle, £12m
Lee Tomlin – Bristol City, £3m
Glenn Murray – Brighton, loan
Why Bournemouth May Stay Up
The teams destined for the basement dogfight, namely, Middlesbrough, Burnley, Watford, Sunderland and Hull City would be shooting envious glances over their shoulders at Bournemouth’s newest acquisitions, knowing full well, that the five players, more than most, that Eddie Howe convinced to join, may just as well be a death knell for their competition.
While there will be competition from new-boy Lewis Cook, Jack Wilshere will be central to Eddie Howe’s midfield plans. With a healthy fight from Harry Arter and Surman keeping the Arsenal hot-shot on his heels, as well as the motivation to prove himself as one of the better midfielders in the league, and secure a berth in Arsene Wenger’s plans should bring the best of out the England international.
Jordon Ibe gave Liverpool fans reason to cheer the sale of Raheem Sterling – such was the faith in the youngster’s potential. Full of power and direct running, he may be tearing up the turf at Dean Court. A potent attacking threat, blessed with natural athleticism, pace and a voracious appetite to take his man on, without a semblance of fear – will rattle many defences when Bournemouth hit them on the counter.
The versatile, Nathan Ake from Watford, and the electric, swashbuckling full-back, Brad Smith, again, from Liverpool will provide Eddie Howe’s team further attacking momentum, striking a fine balance between offence and defence.
Grade: B+
