Bournemouth are an unknown entity this season after the successful reign under Gary O'neil coming to an end. The former Premier League midfielder took over from Scott Parker last season and managed to keep the Cherries in the Premier League when everyone thought they was destined for the drop. However now there is a new man in charge at the Vitality stadium so lets take a look at what he's all about.
Who's in charge?
The former Rayo Vallecano boss is now the face of AFC Bournemouth - is he something other clubs should be worried about? First of all it is important to mention that Leeds United were also interested in him becoming Jesse Marsch and Javi Gracia's successor however a deal could never be finalised, this was rumoured to be because he didn't want to take the risk and join what looked like a sinking ship mid way through the season.
What sort of play style should we expect? From his time at Rayo Vallecano it was evident that the Spaniard integrated a high pressing style within his players but also a strong sign of stability and safety when it came to counter attacks. The Copa Del Ray winner seemed to find the perfect balance between high press and defending at his time over in Spain but it will be interesting to see if he carries over this mentality when he comes to the south of England.
Andoni Iraola's philosophy is 'high risk gives you high reward' but will that be too risky against Premier League opposition - we will see!
The In's and Out's
In's
Romain Faivre - Lyon, £12.8m
Justin Kluivert - Roma, £9.5m
Hamed Traore - Sassuolo, £20m
Milos Kerkez - AZ Alkmaar, £15.5m
Ionut Radu - Inter Milan, loan
Out's
Siriki Dembele - Birmingham, undisclosed
Ben Pearson - Stoke, undisclosed
Christian Saydee - Portsmouth, undisclosed
Jefferson Lerma - Crystal Palace, free
Jack Stacey - Norwich, free
Jordan Zemura - Udinese, free
Junior Stanislas - Released
Will Dennis - Kilmarnock, loan
Romain Faivre - Lorient, loan
Mark Travers - Stoke, loan
AFC Bournemouth's standout player
This statement could go one way or the other, I think that their standout player this season will be Justin Kluivert. The Dutch winger has had a high potential since a young age and he has never really fulfilled what has been expected from him. However at only 24 years old I feel in this system the son of Patrick Kluivert will really be able to make his mark. As mentioned prior Iraola's system tends to involve high intensity and high press and having someone with the pace and technical ability of Justin Kluivert I feel they could really catch opponents out. So if Andoni Iraola has embedded his style within the lads come first game of the season I feel the Dutchman will show his potential at the Vitality Stadium.
Will it be a successful or unsuccessful season for AFC Bournemouth?
Unfortunately for the Cherries I believe it will be an unsuccessful one, even though the manager you have recruited could give the whole squad a revamp and a brand new playing style I just feel the squad isn't there. The high intensity play style will require a solid squad size with all their players understanding and adapting to his philosophy. However I don't feel like the small squad will be up to scratch with the playstyle in the season with them potentially coming unstuck. Although saying this if Iraola gets his message through to the players a mid table finish could be on the cards.
Harry Lucas
Ha
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