ANDONI Iraola hailed the attitude of “very valuable” Philip Billing, insisting the Dane “hasn’t complained” despite his reduced game-time.

Billing has been one of Cherries’ key performers in recent years, providing a vital source of goals in the club’s two recent seasons in the Championship, as well as their first campaign back in the Premier League.

But the midfielder has had to come to terms with a reduced role under Iraola, starting just 13 league matches in 2023-24, with only one coming in this calendar year.

Billing made 33 appearances in total across all competitions, scoring two goals and providing four assists.

He began the campaign in the team, notably scoring the stunning winning goal in Iraola’s first league victory in charge, against Burnley in October.

His other goal came in the historic 3-0 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford in December, having come off the bench.

But Billing’s game-time was reduced in the second half of the season, with Justin Kluivert nailing down the advanced midfield role, while Lewis Cook and Ryan Christie formed a strong axis in the deeper central berths.

Philip Billing started just 13 Premier League games last season (Image: Stuart Martin)

Assessing Billing’s season, head coach Iraola told the Daily Echo: “He started by playing much more minutes than he ended.

“He was coming from very good seasons.

“I have no doubt about his level. He is a very, very good player.

“But it has been very difficult for me, because especially with Justin and Alex Scott, players that could play there in his position, with Ryan Christie performing so well, the competition there is very high.

“But I am happy with how he has helped the team, even from the bench in second halves.

“For someone who is used to playing more, he hasn’t complained.

“He has been pushing. He has been willing to take the 10 minutes or 20 minutes.

“He has scored important goals also for us (last season).

“I am really happy with this attitude, because it is not always easy when you are used to playing more, starting almost every game and they ask you to play a role that probably you think is not so important.

“He has been very valuable.”

The 28-year-old has three years remaining on his contract at Vitality Stadium, having signed a new deal last summer.

Since arriving from Huddersfield Town for £15million in 2019, Billing has made 191 appearances for Cherries, scoring 31 goals and providing 20 assists, under six different managers.

Billing has five senior caps for Denmark, but was not called up for this summer’s European Championship.