Team Focus: January Arrivals Signals Intent by Bournemouth
One has to praise Bournemouth. After a rocky start to life in the Premier League, the Cherries have begun to find their feet in England’s top tier. They have now lost just one of their last eight league fixtures, with that coming in an expected 2-0 defeat at Arsenal, though they put in a good account of themselves at the Emirates. Victories over Chelsea and Manchester United during this run have helped drag the team away from the relegation zone.
Injuries played their part in Bournemouth’s underwhelming start to life among England’s elite. Star striker Callum Wilson, summer arrivals Max Gradel and Tyrone Mings and club captain Tommy Elphick have all spent a prolonged spell on the sidelines and while this initially hindered the club’s chances of consolidating their spot in England’s top tier, Eddie Howe’s team have dusted themselves down accordingly. Now five points above the bottom three, Bournemouth need to push on if they are to avoid dropping back into the Championship at the first time of asking.
Indeed, Howe has moved accordingly to strengthen the club during the January transfer window so far. The capture of Juan Iturbe from Roma on loan for the remainder of the season at the turn of the year was a coup to say the least. The 22-year-old’s career may have stuttered following his move to Italy’s capital, but he’s still widely considered a hot prospect within the game if his performances in his final year for Verona are anything to go by. In the 2013/14 Serie A season, only Juan Cuadrado (118) completed more successful dribbles than Iturbe (99).
The club followed up his arrival with the capture of Benik Afobe from Wolves. While some may feel Bournemouth overspent to bring Afobe to the south coast, his capture signals their intent to stave off relegation. Since the start of 2015, only Ross McCormack (25) and Andre Gray (23) have scored more Championship goals than Afobe (22), who many believe was let go too soon by Arsenal.
With reports linking the club with a move for Stephan El Shaarawy refusing to die down, the intent shown by the club is commendable. The additions of both Iturbe and Afobe boost Howe’s attacking options significantly, while a return for Lewis Grabban seems to be on the cards. The former will provide the drive on the wings to help get the better of opposition defences, while the latter could be the focal point required in attack to aid in Bournemouth's quest for goals. Wilson’s injury provided Josh King and Glenn Murray with the chance to claim a regular starting spot, though while the pair have shown glimpses of their ability, neither properly convinced as the lone striker.
Afobe, therefore, is presented with the ideal opportunity to establish himself as a first team regular Premier League striker. Of the 26 players to have scored 10 or more Championship goals since the start of 2015, only four have a better conversion rate (20.8%) than Afobe. Given Bournemouth create an average of 9.9 chances per game, the young English striker can be confident of tucking these opportunities away having netted seven clear-cut goalscoring chances in the Championship this term; only Andre Gray (12) and Moussa Dembele (8) have netted more.
He may not be one to pull to the flanks and chase the ball into channels, but his knack of being in the right place at the right time and ability to lead the attack with aplomb means he could be considered the ideal frontman for the Cherries. If Howe can continue to bring out the best in his wingers, having them provide an effective offensive outlet from wide, thus ensuring Afobe is allowed to carry out his best work in the opposition 18-yard box, then Bournemouth stand a stronger chance of securing the necessary points total this season.
It’s for this reason why Iturbe makes for a commendable acquisition for Bournemouth. Not only is he a player who has time on his side to improve, but his ability when in possession out wide means he will stretch the opposition, thus helping create chances for his teammates as well as offering a threat on the counter. This will benefit Afobe, who can hold the attention of centre-backs, thus allowing those out wide to put balls into the box for him to score.
While Iturbe could take time to settle into his new surroundings, Afobe is perhaps more likely to make an instant impact for Bournemouth. Some may be critical of the money spent to secure his services, but the experience quickly gained during his time in the Championship will stand him in good stead. Either way, the signings made this month signal the club’s intent to secure their top-flight safety at the first time of asking, but crucially the Cherries have already given themselves a strong platform to do so.
What do you make of Bournemouth's January signings so far? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below
