While Antonio Conte has obviously stolen all the limelight this term with a Premier League title in his debut season, the league has certainly brought out the best of many others in the trade. One special mention in this category would definitely be of Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe.
The 39-year-old English manager managed to survive in top-flight English football for the second consecutive season with an inarguably average squad. And what makes his achievement all the more brilliant is his style of play. At a time, when clubs like Burnley, Middlesbrough, West Bromwich Albion, and West Ham United have resorted to defensive tactics aiming to fend off stronger opponents, Howe has imposed his free-flowing blueprint upon a core of not so talented stars.
And it has worked wonders for the side, as was evident from their surprising 3-3 draw at home to Arsenal, and a majestic 4-3 win over Liverpool. It is for this positive football that Bournemouth, a club which was in the third-tier English football (League One) until 2012, is now closing a top-half finish in the Premier league well above the historical English clubs, West Ham United and Crystal Palace and last year’s champions, Leicester City.
While the whole team should be credited for it, one player definitely stands out in impact and productivity; their striker Joshua King. The 25-year-old has played 36 games this season, managing a decent 16 goals and two assists. And one of his biggest strength is his versatility in the attacking third. Howe has played him as a striker as well as an attacking midfielder from the central and from the flanks, and he has excelled in all.
From the number 10 role, which is his best-suited position, he has scored nine times and from the centre forward’s role, four goals. His ability to win the ball and get it out of congested situations, courtesy his dazzling dribbles past opponents is laudable and it has already sparked enough speculations with the striker’s move to top clubs in the league.
The Norwegian forward certainly has a rich foundation from where his brilliant scoring prowess stems. It was Manchester United, who had first recognised his talents during his stint at his country club Valerenga. He came to England back in 2008 and has spent multiple loan periods with Preston North End, Borussia Monchengladbach, Hull City and Blackburn Rovers before the latter brought him in 2013.
His experience has polished him well and got him acquainted to the rigours of English football. And that blended with Howe’s brilliant nurturing since the past two seasons has made him the finished product top clubs are desiring today.
