Following a record-breaking season, it was a busy summer for Andoni Iraola and his Bournemouth squad.
Last summer, it was the departure of Dominic Solanke, but this year, Milos Kerkez, Dean Huijsen, and Illia Zabarnyi all moved on.
Losing four out of their five players at the back, many predicted the Cherries to have a slight drop off this season.
However, after six games, Bournemouth sit 6th in the Premier League table with 11 points on the board.
Djordje Petrovic, Bafode Diakite, and Adrien Truffert were among those who came in at the back, building Bournemouth’s bedrock that has recorded three clean sheets at the start of their league campaign.
To put it lightly, Iraola’s side have come out of the gates superbly.
Believing that they might have an outside shot at qualifying for European football next season, despite their summer departures.
So, why is this, and have Bournemouth strengthened?
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Strength in numbers
Permanently losing 10 players in the summer, Bournemouth responded by adding strength in numbers.
Seven players came in, and six games into the season, it is fair to say that they have hit the ground running.
Truffert was the first player to put pen to paper, and in the modern day, a deal worth around £11m for the Frenchman appears to be superb business by the Cherries.
The left full-back’s introduction to the side has been seamless, with fans already calling Truffert an upgrade on Kerkez.
Petrovic came next, and this was a much-needed signing for Iraola’s side, following the departure of Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Statistically, one of the best keepers in Europe last season at Strasbourg, Petrovic, joined the Cherries for a reported fee of £24m.
Analyzing his Bournemouth career early on, per FotMob, the Serbian averages 2.67 saves and 1.33 high claims per 90.
After six games, Petrovic has a clean sheet rate of 50%, and despite kicking being a slight weakness of the goalkeeper, Bournemouth’s shot-stopper has recorded a pass accuracy of 63.7%.
Next came Diakite, the Frenchman joining the club just in time for the opening game of the season against Liverpool.
Formerly of Lille, Diakite was one of Ligue 1’s most reliable defenders.
Since moving to the south coast, the central defender has made a brilliant first impression with his new club.
A physical powerhouse, Diakite has averaged 1.60 tackles, 4.80 duels won, 3.00 aerial duels won, 1.00 interceptions, and 4.00 recoveries per 90.
Moving to the Cherries as their second most expensive signing in their history, the defender has rightfully gained praise for being one of the Premier League’s signings of the summer.
Bolstering their defence, Iraola’s side now needed to add some attacking talent.
Ben Gannon Doak made the move from North to South, signing for the Cherries in a deal worth £21m.
Often utilised from the bench - the Scotland international has not yet been given his chance in red and black, making one appearance in the English top-flight.
However, following an exciting season at Middlesbrough and being 19 years old, Doak possesses plenty of potential.
The South Coast side ended their summer business, adding further depth with the trio of Amine Adli, Alex Jimenez, and Veljko Milosavljevic.
Adli has already impressed with his energy off the bench, while Milosavljevic has excited fans after a tremendous debut at the age of 18.
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Defensive improvements
Coming into the season, Iraola’s defensive depletions would have been the biggest worry for Bournemouth fans.
Losing Kerkez, Huijsen, and Zabarnyi was also going to be difficult to replace, but the club have seemingly done a fantastic job.
The joint-second most clean sheets picked up in the Premier League, and the third least xG conceded per 90, alongside recording the third most interceptions and clearances per 90.
Centered around the towering presence of Petrovic, the Cherries' defence might not be as expansive and attack-minded compared to their previous trio.
However, Iraola’s backline feels dependable and calculated, providing a foundation for their attacking players.
Having won three games this season, Iraola’s side also kept clean sheets in two out of those three games.
While the players at the back might not get all the praise, they have provided the spine and support that have allowed this Bournemouth side to walk.
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Semenyo’s step up
Being one of the only big-name players that remained at the club in the summer, there was always going to be a great emphasis placed on Semenyo in the 2025/26 campaign.
Nevertheless, the Ghanaian has perfectly accepted that responsibility, putting the team on his back and claiming it as his team.
In his opening six league appearances, Semenyo has returned four goals and two assists.
Skill, pace, and power – on the wing, Semenyo operates with a unique playstyle that makes him a threat to any defender in the Premier League and such a key player for the south coast side.
Semenyo is involved in almost all attacks, and the winger is also central to everything positive.
There were questions about the 25-year-old’s consistency that needed answering.
However, if his start to the campaign is anything to go by, Semenyo has certainly levelled up, and Bournemouth have one hell of a player, who could take them to Europe next season.
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Improved or too early to tell?
After six games played, it is too early to tell.
However, the Cherries have looked fabulous nonetheless, performing brilliantly on the pitch and placing points on the board.
In the Premier League, it is a long season, but this year, Iraola’s side are better placed than ever, having an abundance of options from the bench. Injuries have constantly
Nevertheless, statistically, the Cherries have recorded a record points haul and have started the season better than ever.
They may have lost individual brilliance and quality from players such as Kerkez and Huijsen, but as a group and a team, they have strengthened, setting up for a huge season on the South Coast.
