Ibe looks confident playing in the hole

With Dominic Solanke and David Brooks not appearing in the squad for the Tottenham game, it fell to Joran Ibe to join the starting line up and he didn't take up his usual right wing position. I've said it before that playing Ibe in the hole, behind the main striker is his position. Ibe looks more balanced and able to contribute playing through the middle and doesn't run into as many dead ends or blind alleys, as he does when he is limited for space on the wings.

Ibe played with confidence behind Wilson.

The fans may not see Ibe as a player that could ever hold down a regular spot at AFCB, but I believe he could excel in this new role if the manager is prepared to see how it develops with Wilson feeding off Ibe's runs. The decision to play Ibe there does intrigue me. Is Eddie Howe getting ready for next season and des he expect Josh King to depart? The presence of King and Wilson upfront has been ever present for several years now and perhaps Eddie needs to experiment a bit, like he did when Junior Stanislas did well in Bournemouth's first Premier League season there.

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Jordan Ibe needs to gain more confidence to see him progress. He has to start games and contribute. I felt he did that against Spurs and if he can do it in that kind of high level game, he should be able to do it against lesser teams. Whether Howe is wiling to give Ibe more chances is any one's guess, but I saw something new in Ibe against Spurs and he even came close to scoring with his second half drive.

Having always been a bit on the sidelines, it would be great if Ibe can find some form. I know it is the end of the season now, but he can take that confidence into the summer and go about having a great pre-season making him ready for the new season. But it's down to Ibe, he has to want it.