In recent years there have not been many new AFC Bournemouth signings that have broken straight into Eddie Howe’s thoughts on a starting XI.
Following his signing from Leeds United, Lewis Cook made his debut for the Cherries on the opening day of the season against Manchester United.
But seemingly for a variety of reasons, including a number of injuries, he didn’t feature for the majority of that season.
He then went on to win the Under 20’s World Cup for England and again had to be patient for the opening few months of the 2017/18 Premier League campaign.
But once he got the nod from Eddie Howe, he made his place in the starting XI his own and he turned the remainder of the campaign into his breakthrough season, culminating in a call-up to England squad and a standby slot on the place to Russia.
This summer, he’s been rumoured to be of interest to Tottenham Hotspur but looks most likely to start the upcoming season as AFC Bournemouth’s first choice midfielder.
But what of new signing David Brooks? His path looks similar, moving to Dean Court from a Championship club as a teenager for an eight-figure fee.
Will he have to be patient and bide his time?
Discussing Lewis Cook’s and Nathan Ake’s initial impacts on the squad, AFC Bournemouth captain Simon Francis told the Daily Echo…
“…(Lewis Cook) took a step back with us for a season, improved his game and now he’s coming on leaps and bounds. He’s doing brilliantly with England and did really well for us last season.
“I think those are the kind of players the manager will be attracted to, ones he knows will benefit us and improve the squad.
“He was almost similar to Nathan Ake. When Nathan first came in, he wasn’t playing straight away and had to work hard to get in the team.
“We’ve got a unique style of play and way of training and a lot of new signings can take a while to bed in…”
Having a glance at the team sheet for Friday night’s friendly against Real Betis may give an indication that of all the areas on the field, midfield could be an area that Howe is yet to really pin down his first choice.
It’s a fair assumption that against Marseille the likely goalkeeper, defence and attack could be the same as who is selected against Cardiff City on opening day, but in midfield, most positions appear up for grabs?
AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has certainly given Brooks the indication that he could step straight in, telling the Daily Echo…
“…Physically, he can get better. I think that is probably the biggest area of scope for us and for him to work on.
“He is young, he is a late developer and he had glandular fever.
“We will certainly be doing a lot of work with him to improve his endurance, speed and strength.
“When we do get those things up to how we want them, then there is going to be an exciting player for us…
Howe added…
“I would leave it open to say ‘come on David, show you are better than the players in your position’. If he is, he will play.
Your say…
AFCB Lost in Brum wrote…
For what it’s worth, I met a Sheff Utd fan who spent a full ten minutes purring about Brooks.
He reckons – if reported prices are true – that we got him at a steal.
The Blades fella was gutted Brooks had left but knew it was inevitable.
No clue if he’s right but we’ll only know if Cautious Eddie gives Brooks a run of Premier League starts. – Join the conversation, click here.
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