AFC Bournemouth are gearing up for a pivotal 2025, with the first half of the season already showcasing the club's potential for Premier League progress.
While some players have cemented their spots as key starters during the first half of the season, others face a crucial year ahead to solidify their roles.
The competition within the squad is fierce, especially with potential transfers looming in the summer which make every performance critical.
As the club braces for significant changes, several players find themselves at a crossroads, needing to prove their value and adaptability.
Here, VAVEL takes a look at four Bournemouth players poised for a defining year, each with unique challenges and opportunities ahead.
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Philip Billing
Once seemingly out of favour, Philip Billing has reemerged as part of Bournemouth's set-up, largely due to the club’s mounting injury crisis.
The Dane has capitalised on these unforeseen circumstances to regain a spot in the starting XI and as a valuable option from the bench.
Billing’s first start of the season came against Fulham, where he delivered a hardworking and assured performance in midfield which marked a turning point after months of limited involvement.
Prior to this recent run, Billing had gone over two months without playing, either left out of matchday squads entirely or left unused on the bench.
However, since being reintroduced - most notably with a strong substitute appearance against Wolves - Billing has contributed to the Cherries' current unbeaten streak.
His performances against Fulham, Ipswich and Manchester United have highlighted his adaptability and work rate; attributes essential to Andoni Iraola’s high-intensity system.
While injuries have presented this opportunity, it is also a second chance for Billing to prove he can be a key figure again.
Once a cornerstone of Bournemouth’s midfield, he slipped down the pecking order with the arrival of new talent and his drop in pace.
Now, it is up to Billing to seize this moment, reaffirm his value, and thrive within Iraola’s demanding tactical framework.
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David Brooks
David Brooks finds himself in a similar position to Billing, benefiting from Bournemouth’s injury woes to make a return to prominence.
Injuries to key wingers have given Brooks a rare chance to showcase his abilities, even as competition remains fierce with the likes of Antoine Semenyo, Dango Ouattara, Luis Sinisterra, Justin Kluivert and Marcus Tavernier being preferred in wide areas.
These players align more closely with Iraola’s system, excelling in pace and trickery - the former of which Brooks struggles to match.
Despite this, Brooks’ technical ability and creativity remain undeniable.
His has undergone a recent revival, evident in the Everton game, where he scored a controlled volley to secure a win for the Cherries, suggesting he has a role in the team.
He still has the knack for beating defenders and retains a natural goalscoring instinct - something he has demonstrated when given opportunities - however Brook s’ intelligence on the pitch is helping him compensate for his lack of pace, allowing him to adapt to Iraola’s system.
As a fan favourite, many Bournemouth supporters hope Brooks can recapture the form he displayed during Eddie Howe’s tenure.
A shift in role or position could provide Brooks the platform to thrive again.
With injuries continuing, Brooks has a golden opportunity in 2025 to remind everyone of his quality and prove his value in this dynamic Bournemouth side.
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Alex Scott
Alex Scott arrived at Bournemouth with high expectations and a substantial transfer fee, but injuries have hindered his ability to make a significant impact.
These setbacks have interrupted his momentum and raised questions about how best to integrate him into the team.
There is no doubting Scott’s talent, as his technical ability and vision have been clear.
Yet consistent performances have been hard to come by, with injuries restricting him to cameo appearances or keeping him on the sidelines entirely.
The debate about his ideal role in the squad began even before the season, and the form of Bournemouth’s existing midfielders has only made breaking into the line-up more challenging.
Scott is expected to return to action soon, with his comeback anticipated in January, but, for him, 2025 will be less about proving his talent and more about establishing his place in the start line-up.
Whether deployed deeper to dictate play or further forward to unlock defences, finding his niche will be crucial.
Fans remain very optimistic about Scott’s potential to shine, and with Bournemouth enjoying an historic season, his contribution could be pivotal as the team pushes for greater heights.
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Enes Ünal
Turkish striker Enes Ünal enters 2025 with much to prove as he continues to establish his position at the Cherries.
Primarily used as a substitute, Ünal has still managed to deliver vital moments, including late goals that rescued results against West Ham and Ipswich Town.
The arrival of record signing Evanilson for £40 million has confirmed Ünal as a back-up striker, due to the Brazilian consistently impressing with his pace, link-up play, and stamina.
Ünal, in contrast, brings a different skill set. His physicality, aerial prowess and ability to hold up play offer Bournemouth an alternative approach, helpful when chasing games.
Rumours of Bournemouth pursuing another striker in the 2025 transfer windows add extra pressure on Ünal to solidify his place in the squad, however.
While it is unlikely he will become the main man, his focus must be on proving he can be a reliable back-up, fully adapting to Iraola’s system and demonstrating his unique value.
While some fans debate whether Ünal is a capable back-up or more of a 'super sub', his recent contributions suggest he has a significant role to play.
His expertly-taken free kick against West Ham showcased another facet of his game, underlining his value in high-pressure moments.
With limited minutes to make an impact, Ünal faces an uphill battle to establish himself as anything more than a bench option.
But if he continues his current form, scoring crucial goals and providing a physical edge, he can cement his status as an indispensable squad player in a Bournemouth side hungry for success.
