Sunday 22 May 2016

Is Benik Afobe just a box man?

Among the many scenarios that have been played out in recent weeks with forwards swapping positions, it has been quite a surprise to see Benik Afobe playing in the number 10 role rather than as an out and out striker. The big man is perhaps not as agile as some of the club's other forwards but his willingness to improve his touch and general play should be admired.
What can Benik add to his game?
We are all very quick at pigeonholing where a player should play and with Eddie Howe he usually wants more from his players than that. Benik is a great box player and he scored goals in and around the box with excellent technique. I don't see Eddie trying to turn him into something he isn't but I do see that he wants the former Wolves striker to get better at other aspects of his game. In the long run, it will be useful option to have if injuries come along to other key forwards next season.

Whether it takes too much away from Benik's game is something that Howe and Tindall will have to consider. I'd hope that Benik is learning all the time as, even if he does not find hat the position is right for him, he will at least have a better understanding of what other players have to deal with when they are playing as a number 10, and that may make it easier for him to make his own runs as a number nine.

It has been a bit of a shame hat Benik has not kept his form going quite as well as when he first arrived at the club. His goals were priceless for keeping the Cherries up and he will have to try and show that he is a striker that can hold down a regular place in the side during pre-season. If that means he has to be adaptable, then he should do everything he can to play well in whatever role he is given to do for the team.

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