While there was a bit of talk about Benik Afobe perhaps being in the market for a transfer this summer, he has gone about pre-season with renewed vigour and has topped the goal scoring chart with four goals over the summer. Benik might not have the quickness of feet or the agility of the smaller striker, but he is getting better at knowing where to position himself to get the right side of defenders and to stick the ball away when his chances come.
It is going to be a big season for Benik. He is fully fit and has everything ahead of him with a possible World Cup to enjoy at the end of it for the DR or Congo. While his best game of this summer was probably the two goal haul he scored against lower profile Yeovil Town, he has looked best when he does start games rather than coming on as a sub. It may come as a surprise to many, but Afobe could well start against WBA next Saturday as well. His large frame and strength would come in handy against such a team and he is in good spirits. So Eddie Howe would be wise to let him see if he can continue his goal run in my opinion.
It's been pleasing to see both Benik and Lys Mousset show that they have something to give the team, and they have taken the arrival of Jermain Defoe in the right way by raising their own games. When I have looked at the bench in previous seasons it has been hard to see more than one striker from the bench really being able to make an impact, but that is going to change this season. If the starters are not working well enough it will be easy for Howe to replace them after half time, and I see less reason for the starting forwards to be kept on for more than 70 minutes. In the long run this will be good for not only the recovery of the forwards, but also the morale of the team if more if the front me are getting minutes on the field.
Benik has set his season up well, but now he has to show he can do it when it matters in the Premier League if he wants to really enjoy his time at AFCB.
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| Benik Afobe can start to smile as he continues to hit the back of the net. |
It's been pleasing to see both Benik and Lys Mousset show that they have something to give the team, and they have taken the arrival of Jermain Defoe in the right way by raising their own games. When I have looked at the bench in previous seasons it has been hard to see more than one striker from the bench really being able to make an impact, but that is going to change this season. If the starters are not working well enough it will be easy for Howe to replace them after half time, and I see less reason for the starting forwards to be kept on for more than 70 minutes. In the long run this will be good for not only the recovery of the forwards, but also the morale of the team if more if the front me are getting minutes on the field.
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Benik has set his season up well, but now he has to show he can do it when it matters in the Premier League if he wants to really enjoy his time at AFCB.
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