AFCB no doubt made the decision to put Dan Gosling under the knife for his hip operation when they could confirm that Philip Billing was definitely coming at the weekend. Gosling would have been vying for a starting place, but with Andrew Surman and Nnamdi Offoborh likely to be the supporting cast roles, while Lewis Cook is also recovering, Billing will need to hit it off with Jefferson Lerma straight away.
Philip Billing will have to match the intensity of Lerma and push himself hard to make sure he can start in front of Surman or Offoborh, but I'm sure Howe is keen to get Billing on the pitch as soon as possible. The extra height dimension that he brings to the team and his energy with his big strides will be quiet a different dynamic, and opposition teams might be forced more to attack AFCB down the wings with Billing and Lerma marshalling the centre of the field with their presence. I'm sure Steve Fletcher can make the most of Billings' heading ability.
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I've felt for a long time that Bournemouth have been lacking power in centre midfield. Lerma was a step up and now Howe might have found the players that can hep Bournemouth to start dominating games more form the middle. Gosling will be a big miss for three months, but the Cherries can manage the situation and it will give Billing the chance to make a really big impact from right at the start of his Bournemouth career.
Cherry Chimes Newsletter - out tomorrow!
Cherry Chimes' August Newsletter brings you the best stories on the blog and the thoughts behind them from last month. It's out tomorrow, with special story - Have AFCB got enough quality?
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| Philip Billing leaves the field in Huddersfield colours. |
That puts pressure not only on Billing, but also Lerma who will need to work with Billing to get a relationship growing quickly on the field. No doubt Eddie Howe is a bit disappointed that he didn't get hold of Billing a bit earlier this summer. The interview with Billing certainly indicates that the player wanted to come earlier in the summer, but that things were not quite in place to achieve that.
Philip Billing will have to match the intensity of Lerma and push himself hard to make sure he can start in front of Surman or Offoborh, but I'm sure Howe is keen to get Billing on the pitch as soon as possible. The extra height dimension that he brings to the team and his energy with his big strides will be quiet a different dynamic, and opposition teams might be forced more to attack AFCB down the wings with Billing and Lerma marshalling the centre of the field with their presence. I'm sure Steve Fletcher can make the most of Billings' heading ability.
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Cherry Chimes Newsletter - out tomorrow!
Cherry Chimes' August Newsletter brings you the best stories on the blog and the thoughts behind them from last month. It's out tomorrow, with special story - Have AFCB got enough quality?
To sign up for the newsletter just complete the form below - like all good things it's free!
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