Eddie Howe is considered to be one of the brightest sparks in English management and an all-round good bloke. He’s one of those managers to whom the expedience of short-term football results doesn’t matter as much as the grand scheme of player development and conditioning. An uncompromising emphasis on those two aspects has made him one of the more respected managers plying their trade in the top-tier of English football.
In consequence of his aforementioned philosophies has seen the right kind of players attracted to his project – players of quality that could essentially, quite probably provide Eddie with a solid base to plant the seed of the Cherries’ Premier League survival. T4O has a look at Bournemouth’s star attractions and how they would fit in a coherent, working formation that would give them the best chance of grinding out results while maintaining Howe’s enterprising style of football.
Formation: 4-4-1-1
Artur Boruc
The former Celtic goalkeeper is one for the heroics. Mainly depending on his positioning to pull off reflex saves, the 36-year-old Pole has a world of experience to call upon and provide Bournemouth with a calm head between the sticks.
Adam Smith
The full-back is the perfect defensive outlet on the right side of the defence. An eye for a quick give and go, and the elaborate dribble, he makes his opposite number earn his keep.
Nathan Ake
The left-sided Dutch centre-back has the ability and the potential to keep Englishman and mainstay, Steve Cook out of the starting line-up. The former Watford and Chelsea man is blessed with the habit of timely interceptions and stepping up from the defensive line to work as a stopper. He needs to be more prudent, though, as he has the tendency to give needless fouls away in dangerous areas. A trait that should be ironed out with maturity.
Simon Francis
Uncompromising skipper, Simon Francis should provide the calm head and stay back as the sweeper behind Nathan Ake, heading, clearing the ball out of defence.
Brad Smith
The former Liverpool man is all about the drive, pace, and panache. Not unlike the other Smith in the other flank, he’s technically gifted and has the tremendous appetite for taking his man on and nothing up goals and assists. One to look out for.
Andrew Surman
Absolutely essential for this formation to work, South African, Andrew Surman will be the go-to-guy for the defence to pivot the passage of play to an attack. His through balls and interceptions will pave the way for Lewis Cook and Jack Wilshere to ply their trade.
Lewis Cook
The work would be cut out for the 19-year-old from Leeds. He has all the talent and the drive, but he’d need to assert himself in the Bournemouth midfield, where the competition is stiff. However, if he can play his natural game, he may keep Harry Arter out of the line-up.
Jordon Ibe
Bournemouth paid through their noses for the Liverpool livewire – and it shouldn’t be long that fans see why. A force of nature when he’s in full flight, blessed with physique, power, technical ability and a thumping shot, the Merseyside club may stand to regret this move.
Joshua King
The versatile Norwegian is someone Eddie Howe trusts to do a job, whether it’s playing off the main striker, or (more effectively) coming in from the left wing.
Jack Wilshere
The path to redemption begins here for Jack Wilshere. With Competition from Surman, Harry Arter and Lewis Cook among others, he’ll be kept on his toes. The added incentive of getting back into contention for Arsenal and England should help Bournemouth reap rewards. Playing just off the striker will help him concentrate on the end product of his game and maximise his threat.
Lys Mousset
Scoring 14 goals in France this past season, the 20-year-old French under-20 international, once he settles in, will bring more potency up front than Callum Wilson, Benik Afobe or Lewis Grabban.
