WITH the final international break of 2024 coming to a close ahead of the busy festive football period, the Daily Echo takes a look at how the Cherries’ summer signings are faring on the south coast.
There were six signings in total as Bournemouth saw both their incoming and outgoing transfer records broken, in bringing in Evanilson to replace Dominic Solanke.
We rate each of the signings on their starts for the Cherries.
Evanilson – 8
The Brazilian arrived in August for a club-record deal to some fanfare after the departure of Dominic Solanke.
There was some pressure on the striker, as might be expected, to hit the ground running and start scoring goals immediately, and while that didn’t happen in his first four appearances, I thought he had performed well.
He finally netted that first goal for the club against Southampton, a fine finish after a quick free kick, and has been in fine form in front of goal since, scoring four in sixThis included a late goal to snatch a point at Aston Villa, as well as netting in the victory over Manchester City, with a good first-time finish.
His goal at Brentford before the break showed fantastic vision to read the game and composure to round the keeper and roll the ball into an empty net.
It’s a strong start for the Brazilian – let’s hope it continues.
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 6
I’m still not convinced on the loan signing of Kepa. He came into Bournemouth as a big name player who had, at one stage, been the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, but for me, he hasn’t looked it so far.
He’s a good shot stopper and has made some good saves in a Cherries shirt, keeping a clean sheet against Arsenal, but has also looked vulnerable at times.
Kepa’s performance at Brentford was disappointing, beaten too easily at the near post for the Bees’ equaliser after Bournemouth took the lead early in the second half.
There will be some pressure to prove his ability at the club, particularly after Mark Travers’ fine performances against Aston Villa and Manchester City.
Julian Araujo – 6
The right back arrived from Barcelona and has had a mixed start in a Cherries shirt – and he will be out of action for a spell after having hamstring surgery last week.
Araujo has started five games for Bournemouth, and has looked good in parts, particularly going forward.
But he struggled at Aston Villa and was substituted after just half an hour.
At 23, there is still time and a lot of room for improvement – I think he shows signs of being a top quality right back or right wing back, but this will need some patience.
Dean Huijsen – 7
The 19-year-old has been impressive in his appearances so far this season, which have been limited due to the form of Illia Zabarnyi and Marcos Senesi.
He looks like a player who is very composed on the ball and he has a fantastic passing range, as well as being good in the air thanks to his height.
He is definitely one who will be a top player in the future – and I am sure he will take his chance if he gets a run of games in the side.
Enes Unal – 6
Unal was on loan at the Cherries in the second half of last season, but signed permanently in May after conditions in his loan deal were met.
Unfortunately, the Turkish forward picked up an injury that kept him out of action at the start of the season, and since he has made eight appearances, although only one from the start.
He has been used off the bench, usually replacing Evanilson, but hasn’t looked too threatening going forward – although he hasn’t had too much time to impact games.
Daniel Jebbison – 5
Jebbison signed from Sheffield United and it was always the plan for him to go out on loan.
But with Unal’s injury and the departure of Solanke, he was at the club until the end of the transfer window.
He has made two Premier League appearances for the club, both off the bench, as well as playing the first half against West Ham in the Carabao Cup.
Jebbison joined Watford on a season-long loan at the end of August.
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