In recent months, Bournemouth has surprised both fans and English football experts. Under Basque coach Andoni Iraola, the team is not only achieving its best Premier League results in club history, but also showcasing a completely new playing style.
This summer, the club underwent a major transfer campaign, selling several young players at once, including Zabarniy, Højbjerg, Kerkez, and Ouattara. The total value of the deals reached 238 million euros. Despite the departure of key players, Bournemouth managed to maintain momentum and even improve its performance. After seven rounds, the team is in fourth place, just two points behind Arsenal and with 14 out of a possible 21 points.
Iraola notes that the club has successfully invested in young players who have quickly adapted and risen to the level of top European teams. According to him, this approach requires constant effort and competition with other clubs also searching for talent.
The coach emphasizes that the season is just beginning, with challenging matches against Crystal Palace, Manchester City, and Aston Villa ahead. Nevertheless, Bournemouth is already nine points ahead of last year’s tally, the best increase among all league teams.
Bournemouth’s lineup now features new faces: Petrovic, Diakité, Truffer. Despite the roster changes, the team’s football philosophy remains the same. Bournemouth continues to play aggressive, high-intensity football, previously described as “rock-and-roll.”
According to statistics, Bournemouth leads the Premier League in ball recoveries, high pressing actions, and goals scored after quick counterattacks. Additionally, the team ranks second in Europe for the number of high-speed sprints among all top leagues.
Another metric is the lowest number of passes allowed to opponents during defense (PPDA). In this aspect, Bournemouth is again the best in England, just like last season, when the team set a personal record for goals conceded.
Analysts note that Bournemouth creates more dangerous chances after the opponent loses the ball than anyone else and successfully converts these episodes into goals. Iraola explains that the team relies on open football, using speed and individual skills of the flank players. In matches with many opportunities, Bournemouth feels more confident than in positional attacks.
Players highlight the coach’s contribution to the team’s success. Justin Kluivert compares Iraola to a bus driver who leads the team along the right route. The club’s management has already begun talks to extend the coach’s contract, despite interest from other English giants.
Former players and experts believe Iraola has become a real revelation for the Premier League. His approach to the game and ability to work with young players are highly regarded in professional circles. Bournemouth is eager to keep their coach in order to continue developing and secure a place among the league leaders.
