Even though Bournemouth finished lowly at 16th in their first ever season in the Premier League, the season they underwent should be termed as successful. Eddie Howe had to deal with consecutive injury blows to his key players but still managed to keep themselves away from the relegation scrap. Now, it’s time for the Cherries to build on their decent last campaign.
The South Coast club has utilised the summer transfer window well to bring six new faces to the club in the form of Jordon Ibe, Lewis Cook, Lys Mousset, Emerson Hyndman, Nathan Ake and Brad Smith. Quite obviously, Howe has gone for bringing in young blood to the club. The only big departure from the club was with Matt Ritchie moving to Newcastle United.
So, how are Bournemouth going to line up with this new look youthful squad next season? Howe will have the luxury of having a deep squad next season and we can expect to see plenty of rotation from the manager.
Defence
Artur Boruc right now remains the first-choice under the bar ahead of Adam Federici. Steve Cook and Simon Francis are favourites to remain the first-choice pairing at the back. Nathan Ake is likely to act as a cover but it should be a priority to bring a new central defender. Adam Smith should remain the first-choice right-back while Charlie Daniels will be offered a strong competition for a place at the left-back position from new boy Brad Smith.
Midfield
The Cherries have pretty solid depth in the middle of the park right now with Andrew Surman, Lewis Cook, Harry Arter, Dan Gosling and Emerson Hyndman. Howe will hope the competition for places will bring out the best from each and every individual and we can expect rotations at the heart of the park. Surman is likely to feature as the defensive midfielder in most games. Hyndman is unlikely to play anything more than a bit-part role this season. Lewis Cook will hope to notch a place for himself in midfield but as things stand, Arter and Gosling should remain the first-choice box to box midfielders.
Attack
Jordon Ibe is likely to feature week in week out on the right flank while it will be between Pugh, Stanislas and Gradel for a start on the left wing. Callum Wilson will definitely remain the first-choice striker this season. The 24-year-old’s last season was largely hampered by injuries following a strong start from the Englishman in the Premier League. The Bournemouth fans will desperately hope that Wilson stays fit this season and goals will definitely keep on coming.
