I was not that sure that David Brooks would be given much of a chance to start games for AFCB this season when he signed at the start of the summer. To be honest, the young midfielder has sparkled in what has been a pretty quiet pre-season for the Cherries. What that means for the side and for Brooks in the coming months is anyone's guess, but AFCB have to play the players that are in form if they are to get off to a good start against Cardiff.
What I like about Brooks is that he goes forward and looks to make forward passes. He may lose the odd tackle and run into trouble but he commits defenders. While everything has gone smoothly for him so far, Howe will be aware that he could suddenly find things much harder at this level and he has to be cautious about when he plays him.
At the moment though, he is one of the players that has shown some form in the summer. I think Jordan Ibe is slightly behind him in terms of recent performances. Still Howe could start with Ibe and introduce Brooks in the second half against Cardiff, so as not to let Brooks think he has it all made straight away.
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If we consider Stanislas as the other player who is in competition with Brooks as the season goes on, there is every reason to suggest that Brooks will find it harder to get games. Stanislas will perhaps get the manager's vote when he is fully fit again, but whether Brooks or Ibe are going to take advantage of his early-season absence is going to be the question that Howe will be keen to find the answer to.
My feeling is that Brooks may start on the bench at first. But I do see him having the ability to start games fairly soon which is something that few new signings have managed in Howe's reign.
In other news, Emerson Hyndman is getting set for a loan move to Hibernian until January says SkySports. Brad Smith signs on loan to Seattle Sounders, reports Fox Sports. SkySports also reports Cardiff City have made an approach to take Harry Arter on loan.
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| Official AFC Bournemouth photo. |
At the moment though, he is one of the players that has shown some form in the summer. I think Jordan Ibe is slightly behind him in terms of recent performances. Still Howe could start with Ibe and introduce Brooks in the second half against Cardiff, so as not to let Brooks think he has it all made straight away.
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If we consider Stanislas as the other player who is in competition with Brooks as the season goes on, there is every reason to suggest that Brooks will find it harder to get games. Stanislas will perhaps get the manager's vote when he is fully fit again, but whether Brooks or Ibe are going to take advantage of his early-season absence is going to be the question that Howe will be keen to find the answer to.
My feeling is that Brooks may start on the bench at first. But I do see him having the ability to start games fairly soon which is something that few new signings have managed in Howe's reign.
In other news, Emerson Hyndman is getting set for a loan move to Hibernian until January says SkySports. Brad Smith signs on loan to Seattle Sounders, reports Fox Sports. SkySports also reports Cardiff City have made an approach to take Harry Arter on loan.
Somewhat disappointed that Hyndman has gone to Hibernian. The Championship would have provided a much better guide for management. As Ryan Fraser has shown, if you can shine in the Championship, you have every chance of being effective in the Premiership.
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