With the return of David Brooks this season, Dominic Solanke and Marcus Tavernier have been discussing his impact.
Brooks was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in October 2021 and has thankfully gone onto make a full recovery.
The 26-year old returned in March 2023, against Aston Villa, making five appearances in the latter end of the season.
2023/24 represents a fresh start for the Welshman as he returns to his best with more game time this season.
The Welshman captained the Cherries against Swansea City in the EFL Cup prior to international duty with his country.
He scored against Brentford, netting his first goal since July 2020, in a dream moment.
What have Dominic Solanke and Marcus Tavernier said about David Brooks?
Tavernier joined the club last year, towards the end of Brooks’ treatment and is still voicing his admiration for him.
Talking about his teammate he said: “I’m over the moon for him to get his first goal back in the Premier League after so long, because he’s worked ever so hard on the training pitch.”
“There’s no-one else on that team who deserves it more.”
It is clear how much his teammates look up to him as an inspiration, as he doesn’t feel sorry for himself and is continuing to perform.
When discussing his comeback, Tavernier said: “You saw the reception he got when he made his first game back against Aston Villa from their fans. It’s bigger than football.”
Striker, Solanke, has been at Bournemouth since 2019, joining the year after Brooks and as a result has seen his whole story.
What happened had an effect on everybody, Solanke said: “Obviously what happened to him was not nice for any of us, it hurt us all.
“Since I first came here really I’ve got on really well with him. He fits in well with everyone really.”
Despite the pain, to see him back, fit and firing it means so much.
On that point, the Englishman said: “For us to see him come back and play as well as he has been and scoring goals, it means so much for all of us.
“For him to show the quality he has been in the last few weeks, I think if we keep him fit, it’s like another signing.”
It is clear how big an impact the Welsh midfielder has on the club, with everyone happy to have him back, hopefully he kicks on and reaches the heights everyone knows he can.