Bournemouth attacker David Brooks is optimistic about his side’s chances in the Premier League this season.
David Brooks believes Bournemouth can kick on to the next level under Andoni Iraola this season.
The Spanish coach has been brought in to replace Gary O’Neil and revolutionise how the Cherries play. Iraola developed an attractive, attacking style of play whilst he was in charge of Rayo Vallecano, and he will be aiming to bring this philosophy to the Vitality stadium.
However, the south coast club could quickly find themselves in trouble if they aren’t able to adapt to Iraola’s methods from the off. Brooks has been clear that it is something that the Bournemouth players are still working hard to get to grips with.
As quoted by the club’s official website, Brooks said, “it’s a completely different formation, tactics and style of play. We’ve all bought into that. We’re not perfect at the moment and we’re still learning what he wants.”
Bournemouth looking up
If Brooks and his teammates can get Iraola’s vision to transpire on the pitch then Bournemouth fans will be in for a very exciting season. They will appreciate the ambition being shown by the club’s hierarchy.
Brooks shares that ambition, and Bournemouth are certainly looking up rather than down when it comes to the Premier League table. The 26-year-old said, “you only have to look at last season and how well teams like Brighton and Aston Villa did. We want to get to that point…we all want to do our best to pull in the same direction and keep the club moving forward.”
Aston Villa certainly impressed last season after Unai Emery took charge. Their form under the Spaniard saw them qualify for the Europa Conference League. Meanwhile, Brighton managed an 8th-place finish and will enjoy Europa League football.
European qualification will likely be beyond Bournemouth this season, but it is seemingly part of the long-term plan with Iraola at the helm. It’s a big season for the club, and a big season for Brooks, too.
Since his £12 million move from Sheffield United, the 22-cap Wales international’s career has been derailed by his 2021 cancer diagnosis. Brooks has now thankfully been given the all-clear and returned to first team action last season. He will be desperate to make up for lost time and shine for the Cherries again this season.