Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has heaped praise on midfielder Joe Rothwell.
Joe Rothwell played the full 90 minutes for Bournemouth as they salvaged a 1-1 draw in their first Premier League game of the season.
The Cherries are currently short of options in the middle of the park, with Lewis Cook still sidelined with injury, and Rothwell himself only just now returning to full fitness.
It wasn’t a perfect performance from the 28-year-old. Rothwell lost the ball in the passage of play that led to the Hammers’ goal. However, he did make things happen going forward, played plenty of intricate passes, and worked incredibly hard throughout the match.
Andoni Iraola is in the process of establishing a new style of play at the Vitality Stadium. Rothwell appears to be adapting to the Spanish coach’s methods and instructions well.
Iraola certainly liked what he saw from Rothwell against West Ham. As quoted by the Daily Echo, the Bournemouth boss said, “I think he had a very, very good game. He played really well. It’s true that he made a mistake for the goal, but overall I think he has sustained the team. He has pushed at the end and he has done a lot of good things.”
Rothwell making his name at Bournemouth
Iraola’s statement of faith in the player ought to give Rothwell plenty of confidence going forward, and the midfielder will be expected to build on this performance.
New arrival Alex Scott will increase competition for places in the middle of the park, but Rothwell will be determined to keep his place having established himself as a regular starter towards the end of last season, which was his first campaign as a Bournemouth player since his arrival on a free transfer from Blackburn Rovers.
Rothwell has proven himself capable of performing at Premier League level. He now needs to show consistency and the confidence to embrace the progressive, attacking style of play that Iraola is seeking to introduce.