AFC Bournemouth finished as the ninth best side in the Premier League in the 2016-17 season, which is not too bad by any estimation. Especially considering they were in League Two just seven years ago.
It’s been a season that started well but had a worrying dip at the start of the year - one which the team managed to get themselves out thanks to the morale boosting draw at Old Trafford at Manchester United.
Overall the defence needs work in the summer if the team are to progress further - or even maintain a mid-table standing - but the attack has been hugely effective due in no small part to Josh King. But how has each player on the team done over the course of this season? Well we’re glad you asked...
Goalkeeper and defence
Artur Boruc: 9/10
Had some dodgy moments but these were outweighed by a slew of great saves - he was also arguably responsible for single handedly (pun intended) getting the club’s season back on track at Old Trafford.
Adam Smith: 7/10
Suffered from being switched onto the wing for an unfathomable reason midway through the season, but when in his full-back position looked solid. Finished the season strongly too.
Steve Cook: 10/10
The club’s most consistent performer, Cook was a constant shining light for Bournemouth this season.
Tyrone Mings: 6/10
Looked like Bambi on ice for his first few appearances, but looked better and more up for the battle at Manchester United. But was then subsequently suspended for five games and didn’t play again all season.
Simon Francis: 6/10
A mini club legend, Francis did well against limited opposition - but was regularly roasted against the better teams. Will sadly have to drop down to the bench if the team is to progress.
Charlie Daniels: 7/10
One of the more quietly better players in the team, Daniels looked most at ease when he had Pugh in front of him - and chipped in with a fair few goals and assists.
Nathan Aké: 8/10
An excellent loan acquisition from Chelsea, it took a while for Aké to work his way into the team - but once he made it in he was impossible to drop. Composed on the ball he scored some vital goals - most memorably the last gasp winner against Liverpool.
Marc Pugh: 7/10
Always reliable, he admirably fought his way into the first eleven near the end of season and could not be budged.
Midfield
Ryan Fraser: 8/10
A huge season for the Scot - after his astounding cameo against Liverpool at Dean Court he didn’t look back, and has been a real thorn in the side of every team AFC Bournemouth have faced. He works incredibly hard too.
Junior Stanislas: 7/10
A real enigma - often switching between composed presence on the wing to disappearing from games altogether. If he can get a full season under his belt and avoid injury he could be a big player for Bournemouth in the next campaign.
Harry Arter: 8/10
The heartbeat of the side - when he plays well the rest around him do too. Although in some games he hasn’t been as influential as he’d like, when he turns up he’s truly a force to be reckoned with.
Dan Gosling: 8/10
Although he didn’t start as often as he’d like, whenever he did he was always value for money and put everything into every performance. A hugely important squad player.
Andrew Surman: 5/10
He came in for a lot of criticism this campaign, and much of it was justified - he often struggled to influence games and was never dropped by Howe for some reason. Not a great season for him overall.
Lewis Cook: 8/10
Only played a few games, but looked hugely promising whenever he appeared - and could develop into a real star next season.
Jordon Ibe: 3/10
Ibe had a disastrous season, and failed to live up to nearly any of his huge price-tag. He will have to work very hard to prove his doubters wrong in the next campaign.
Attackers
Callum Wilson: 5/10
Another season blighted by injury, but that doesn’t cover up the fact that Wilson really struggled when he did play. Hopefully he’ll come back firing next season.
Benik Afobe: 6/10
A mixture of ineptitude and surprising effectiveness, Afobe did well against weaker opposition - but often disappeared against better sides. Did chip in with some important goals though.
Josh King: 9/10
Compare King now to how he was at the start of last season and the difference is startling. Strong, fast, and composed on the ball, the Norwegian had a stunning season.