Bournemouth have already pushed the boat out in terms of transfers this winter signing three players, and while fans are likely to want to see Nathaniel Clyne convert his loan to a permanent deal, it may be that central midfield grabs the attention of recruitment in the summer. It's not that Bournemouth don't need to improve in all areas, but the lack of a scoring central midfielder is one reason why AFCB are not pushing closer for the top seven places.
Andrew Surman, Dan Gosling, Lewis Cook and Jefferson Lerma have managed just one goal amongst themselves from 26 games. It is a stat that doesn't acknowledge the good performances that these players have had, but Bournemouth are really lacking in the scoring department from the centre of the field, and it has to be one of the areas where Howe has to develop the side if they are to challenge higher up in the league.
Howe has addressed the physical nature of central midfield with Lerma and Leiws Cook certainly has the vision for playing great assist. Surman is the player to keep passes flowing and Gosling has the energy to keep going all game, but Bournemouth don't have player with the intent to go at defences from central midfield and get shots on target.
Looking at the games this last weekend in the FA Cup one player stood out as a young England U21 international who would be perfect to bring to Dean Court. That man is Phil Foden, 18, at Man City. It may be too late to grab him now, because Man City are starting to see that they have another fabulous young player on their hands, but if Foden doesn't get into their first team, it has to be worth a try to prise him away from City. He would commend an high transfer fee probably more than AFCB's record of £25m, but what a player to have in your side.
Lerma is a great addition, but the central midfield area still lacks goals. |
Looking at the games this last weekend in the FA Cup one player stood out as a young England U21 international who would be perfect to bring to Dean Court. That man is Phil Foden, 18, at Man City. It may be too late to grab him now, because Man City are starting to see that they have another fabulous young player on their hands, but if Foden doesn't get into their first team, it has to be worth a try to prise him away from City. He would commend an high transfer fee probably more than AFCB's record of £25m, but what a player to have in your side.
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What ticks the boxes about Foden is not only his fearless habit of going for goal, but his general movement and what he has already learnt at Man City. Eddie Howe could pick up quite a lot from bring in a player from Man City, and Foden is at a great age who would, I am sure, blend in well with David Brooks and could form the base around which Howe could fashion a more youthful side.
True..or Danny James from Swansea if Leeds don't grab him!!
ReplyDeleteNo chance of signing him. Maybe a loan deal.
ReplyDeleteHe loves city in the side or not he will go no where! Danny James is a good shout!
ReplyDelete