2 hours ago 2

Tavernier and Bournemouth 'reaping the rewards' of positional switch

Andoni Iraola has been nothing short of exceptional since his arrival at Bournemouth.

His brand of energetic, intense and offensive football has been a breath of fresh air to the Premier League as a whole, and his individual tactical nous has also been remarkable.

The Cherries have continued to supply him with some truly exciting talent, but Iraola's foresight into how to utilise them continues to impress.

For example, Antoine Semenyo was seen predominantly as a striker until Iraola allowed him to become the powerhouse winger that he currently is. Similarly, Ryan Christie was notably a back-up wide option for Bournemouth until he was given the licence to be an all-action central midfielder.

But recently, he may have uncovered another...

Marcus Tavernier has arguably had his best start to a season in a Cherries shirt, and this is all while playing a role somewhat alien to him. He has had spells at wing-back but, more often than not, he has been utilised as one of the wingers during his career. However, he is now flourishing centrally.

With so many wide options and a few injuries in central areas, Tavernier was tasked with starting the season in the centre of midfield in front of the Tyler Adams anchor, and it has worked a treat.

His non-stop running and off-the-ball discipline ties in so well with his aggressive dribbling attributes, and both Tavernier and Bournemouth are reaping the rewards.

Massive props to Marcus himself, who has relished his new role, but it is also another example of just how lucky the Cherries are to have such a special coach in Iraola.