CHERRIES boss Gary O’Neil commented how he was “excited to get to work” with the younger new recruits at the Vitality Stadium.
There seemed to be a clear profile for the majority of Cherries’ business in January, with four signings boasting serious potential whilst being able to help Cherries immediately, according to O’Neil.
The Dorset club made a total of six signings during the transfer window, with all but one under the age of 25.
Depth issues were addressed as veteran Darren Randolph was added to the goalkeeping department, whilst the left-back spot received much needed competition with the addition of Matías Viña from Roma.
Fellow defender Illia Vabarnyi has previously been described as a wonderkid, with the 20-year-old already playing in the Champions League and at the last Euros with Ukraine.
Cherries’ lack of goals was also addressed, with three new attackers added to O’Neil’s arsenal.
Antoine Semenyo, Dango Ouattara and Hamed Traore are all capable of playing in a myriad of positions, with O’Neil sharing where they will fit into the team.
He told the Daily Echo: “There's a lot of work that goes into signing players, so you have a clear idea as to where you think they fit and what they can do.
“But then there's always when they arrive, you improve that understanding.
“Watching somebody play for somebody else is never the same as seeing them in your own sessions or tactical set up.
“So once they arrive, you get a closer look and as you can say, a few of them can do sort of multiple positions, which is which is helpful.
“Based on that, I see them in quite a variety of positions.”
Despite their tender years, the outfield additions will be expected to contribute from the off, although O’Neil pointed out there was plenty of room for them to improve as players.
He restarted: “The age of them as well, Illia (Zabarnyi), 20, (Hamed) Traore, 22. I think Dango (Ouattara) is still only 20.
“Antoine (Semenyo), still young and has played in the Championship, so working with him to get him understanding the Premier League and what he can do to make the step up, of course.
“So, yeah, it's exciting. I think when you look at the month we had, they can help us here and now.
“As I've said, they're exciting here and now, but still all have fantastic years ahead of them because of their age and the potential development that we have with them. So we’re excited to get to work with them.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel