Adam Smith came on late in the match at WBA to replace an injured Simon Francis. It has been a slow road back for Smith who has been suffering with a quad injury, but he is gradually getting back into contention, and Eddie Howe may have to launch him back into the starting line up on Saturday against Watford.
We have seen some stunning goals from Adam in recent seasons and I'm sure he is keen to add to them and, while he has been used as a right midfielder, he is at his best in my mind when he comes in off the wide areas and goes directly at goal. He seems to get his angles right when finding space running at the opposition's penalty area, and he almost got in during his short time on the pitch against West Bromwich Albion.
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| Adam Smith is tipped to start after Simon Francis' late injury at WBA. |
While Simon Francis has been forced back into vying for the right back position, the role is more likely to be as a deputy to Adam Smith this season. Adam has the upper hand now to push on and ensure he has a full season at right back, and creatively there is a need for more energy and movement in the team which Adam Smith can bring.
We have seen some stunning goals from Adam in recent seasons and I'm sure he is keen to add to them and, while he has been used as a right midfielder, he is at his best in my mind when he comes in off the wide areas and goes directly at goal. He seems to get his angles right when finding space running at the opposition's penalty area, and he almost got in during his short time on the pitch against West Bromwich Albion.
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I also think it is important who Howe puts in front of Adam on the right. He needs to have a regular partner to work with like Daniels and Pugh have built up over the years on the left. If Adam can be more confident with his play and the runs that he makes, it should add a dynamic that helps gets Bournemouth back to their fluent best.
It's often tempting to try top quality right-backs as right sided midfielders in the hope they can dominate the game. But it rarely seems to quite work, eg Mel Machin, Philip Lamm.
ReplyDeleteAdam Smith is slightly different because he started as a midfield/utility player - and he also has a pretty good left foot. But the angles at full back/wing back seem to suit him best and he can still develop cutting-in and letting fly with his left foot.