Micah Richards has praised Bournemouth following their opening day draw to West Ham United.
Andoni Iraola’s first competitive game as the Cherries head coach ended with the spoils being shared.
This factor didn’t stop compliments come the way of his side after full time.
A late goal from Dominic Solanke cancelled out Jarod Bowen’s early second half stunner.
The new manager’s philosophy was out in full force as his side kept 63% possession and made well over double the amount of passes as their opponents.
What has Micah Richards said?
“From last season to last season, the passes in the final third is the key one for me. They were more on the front foot, just a bit more fluid.”
It is clear that Iraola’s style of play has caught the eye and to have been implemented so quickly is testament to the new coach.
It wasn’t just the teams performance that gained plaudits with key individuals being pointed out by Richards: “Rothwell, I was really impressed with him in the centre of that midfield, he really controlled some of the play when they were going forward.”
He made 61 accurate passes with 13 of them into the final third. He also hit the woodwork from range. A goal would have been well deserved.
Bournemouth’s number nine was the star according to the former Aston Villa defender: “the main man for this team was Solanke.
A striker running in behind, as a centre-half that’s the worst thing you want. You want everything in front of you. When someone is running behind you, it is so difficult.”
He showed an ability that all strikers must have, being in the right place at the right time.
Richards described his goal as “lucky” but he is on his toes and expecting the ricochet to him and takes the goal superbly.
Ending his insight into the Cherries he made his feelings clear: “I was impressed with everything that they did.”
Great positivity to carry forward into the new season, all despite only picking up a point,