During the pre-season campaign under new AFC Bournemouth head coach Scott Parker, one name that has become more familiar with Cherries supporters has been Zeno Ibsen Rossi.
The 20-year-old centre back has been a regular alongside Lloyd Kelly in the absence of AFC Bournemouth captain Steve Cook and Chris Mepham.
On Saturday he made his first-team debut for AFC Bournemouth helping the side to a clean sheet in a 5-0 victory over MK Dons in the EFL Cup.
Last season he made 20 appearances for Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock and now looks set to be part of the Cherries first-team squad for the 2021/22 Championship campaign.
Written by ChampagneCherry
If you want a balanced view, then the two positives I have seen are:
1. He plays himself into games, so simple passing, etc until he feels comfortable, and then he looked to be more adventurous. He then was brave enough to play forward in a way that surpassed Lloyd Kelly. Also, he is two-footed in his passing and when playing across the back he kept the ball in front aiding momentum.
2. His first step when someone picks up the ball in front of him is NOT to take steps back, but has the pace and confidence to tackle. Against Chelsea and MK Dons he broke up or slowed up attacks before they got going or got in the box. Personally, this is a positive contrast to Steve Cook, who may well acquit himself well, blocking shots, etc, but does drag teams into our box, putting teammates under pressure.
Additionally, he showed the confidence and awareness to stay forward while a corner was being recycled, pity his teammates couldn’t see the value of delivering a cross while he was adding to the threat.
To balance it, both he and Kelly were bailed out by correct offsides, when it looked like they had lost the sole striker. Against some Championship midfielders he may get put under more pressure with through balls in behind for runners but with more games and developing the partnership with Kelly the improvement and upside will come, enough to get to a higher level too.
Overall he’s done enough for us not to panic and bring someone in. 2 weeks ago I would have splashed whatever to get Cameron Carter-Vickers back but now, we have enough until January, and Cook & Chris Mepham will need to work themselves back, and ironically may have to wait to round 2 for their chance, in my opinion.
Your say…
Waz afcb wrote…
We need a new Centre Back. I’m also going to be controversial and say that CCV would not be the right signing for the way that Parker wants to play. I also severely have my doubts as to whether Steve Cook and Chris Mepham are able to adapt to this style. It’s clear that he wants his centre halves to hold a very high line, so pace is an absolutely pivotal attribute for a defender playing in this system. – Join the conversation, click here.
