AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has praised Steve Cook following one of his more difficult spells at Dean Court.
Following his move from Brighton & Hove Albion, initially on loan in October 2011, Cook has made over 260 appearances for the Cherries and was a ever present during promotions from both the third tier of English football in 2013 and the Championship winning side in 2015.
He has flourished following the step up to the Premier League and virtually played every minute during the Cherries opening campaigns in the top flight of English football.
This season however, Cook has dropped in and out of the side, particularly at the start of the season, but has since begun to form a solid partnership with record signing Nathan Ake.
Howe told the Daily Echo…
‘…Steve is a big player for us and is one of the leaders in the team.
“He is a big voice in the changing room, a big personality, and is maturing very nicely. His career is in a good place and he has had some very good games this season…’
“…He has developed the mindset to defend first and protect his goal. He has those old-fashioned defensive values we need, Being a very attacking team, I think you need people with the mindset to protect the goal and to want to keep clean sheets.
“He`s a key player for us and we need him to perform at his best.”
Your Say…
USCherry wrote…
should have been 0-4 (against Newcastle). Some great defending by Ake and Cook kept us in the game, often they were left 2 against 2. – Join the conversation here.
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