James Hill joined Blackburn Rovers on loan for the season despite being involved in Bournemouth’s first Premier League game of the season.
Hill spent last season on loan at Hearts and made ten appearances in his six month spell there.
He was named as part of Andoni Iraola’s squad and after featuring against West Ham United, Cherries’ fans believed he’d play his part.
He is comfortable on the left or right side of a centre back pairing while being comfortable playing out from the back.
With plenty of strong competition in the centre back role, a loan move makes sense.
With that being said, there is equal levels of competition for Hill at Blackburn.
What has James Hill said?
It is clear first team, regular football was the true motivation behind his move,
He backs this point saying: “Regular football and game time keeps you hungry and keeps you developing, which is what any player wants to do.”
The centre back wants to improve: “I feel there’s still loads for me to work on and learn. This is a great place for me to do that and is a club where I can learn plenty to continue on a journey.
“I’m really enjoying being on at the moment. I want to take steps in the right direction.”
Blackburn are a side looking to be in the promotion play off race which is an ideal place for Hill to develop.
When discussing the reasoning for choosing Rovers: “It’s similar here to what Bournemouth want to play, a fast style of play, they want to move the ball and the way they press.
“We want to push high up the pitch and I don’t mind one-vs-one battles and leaving the back half of the team exposed.”
Hill can develop in the Championship this season and become a useful asset to the Bournemouth squad next season.