CHERRIES boss Andoni Iraola believes the backbone provided by Lewis Cook and Ryan Christie has allowed the side’s overall performances to improve in recent weeks.

Christie and Cook impressed again in the middle of the park for Cherries during their 2-2 draw at home to Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.

Scottish international Christie provided the assist for Antoine Semenyo’s opener, whilst Cook’s tenacity was key in a frantic midfield battle.

Iraola’s central midfield options have been limited after long-term injuries to summer signings Tyler Adams and Alex Scott, with the Basque boss using Christie in a lower position on the pitch in a makeshift switch that has paid dividends.

Asked about the duo, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “I think both have been very good in the last games where they were playing the 6 or 8 positions.

“I think they are understanding each other very well, and I think it's one of the reasons probably that we are playing better, we are more comfortable.

“We were dangerous today in transitions.

“They were also the same.

“I think both of the teams, whenever someone lost the ball in the middle, we were struggling because we both had threats up front.

“It was difficult to defend the transitions, but I am really happy with the performances.”

An established name on the team sheet due to his work rate, Christie was at his creative best against Villa, frequently producing opportunities for his teammates.

“I am happy because he is still having the chances, even playing lower,” Iraola continued.

“He’s arriving the same way into the box.

“He had a couple of very good situations.

“Sometimes he decides to make the last pass, like in the first goal.

“Sometimes he's shooting from the outside and I think it's something we should encourage.

“It's not because he's playing lower, he doesn't have to make these kind of runs or ball carries that he does so well.”