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Wednesday, 12 September 2018

Is AFCB's defence stronger this season?

Bournemouth have conceded five times this season in there first four Premier League games. It has given them more of a chance of picking up points with not such large score lines to have to come back from. While fans might have hoped to see more change in the back line, these players are a year wiser and are a year more practised at playing in the same team, which should improve their understanding as a defensive unit.
Diego Rico is the big addition in defence
and could keep his place against Leicester City.
Asmir Begovic is part of that defensive barrier that has made sure he is the number one keeper in these first few games. He was particularly tested against Chelsea and made some good saves, especially from Alonso in the second half. He hasn't made a noticeable big error, even if he might have hoped to get closer to Eden hazard's goal.

Keeping the goals scored against Bournemouth to one or under one is the real sign of a good team and Bournemouth are still falling short of that. The addition of Diego Rico might help the team to get nearer that target. He has a strong game and certainly has the ability to do as much for the team in attack as Charlie Daniels. What we need to see though is that he can tackle and block with even more determination than Daniels. If he has this in his game then Bournemouth will start to seal up the left hand side much better, and I think the left side of the team has been weaker in terms of defending for some time.



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Where the big difference might come for the side though is in the play of Jefferson Lerma who will sit in front of the defence. If he can play like his idol N'Golo Kanté of Chelsea and protect the defence, the whole team will benefit this season. In the past I have felt teat Steve Cook and Aké are a bit exposed and have to stretch themselves to get to unmarked players that the midfield could have picked up. Perhaps now with added protection they will have more time to do their natural defending. This is the part of the game where they need to pick up their performance, as Bournemouth have conceded four of the goals against them from open play. The defending from free kicks and corners has been perfect so far and it's been just the one penalty in the opening games against West ham.

The defending is the area of the game where I see Bournemouth starting to tighten up. While Chelsea and Everton managed to score twice against AFCB, it's clear that there is room for some improvement in the backline to come yet.

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