Why Connor Roberts would be a solid signing for Bournemouth

Back in May, Bournemouth Echo had claimed that Bournemouth were interested in signing Swansea City right-back Connor Roberts.

The Cherries are weighing up a £10million raid on Swansea for the 23-year-old Welsh international, who was one of the club’s standout performers in the Championship last season. However, the links have cooled down of late.

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe wanted to sign Nathaniel Clyne from Liverpool, with the right-back having impressed on loan in the second half of 2018/19 campaign.

Any plans to re-sign Clyne has been derailed as the defender has been ruled out for six months after suffering knee ligament damage during the club’s pre-season tour of the United States.

With that in mind, Howe must reignite his interest in Connor Roberts and attempt to sign him before Thursday’s deadline.

The Cherries conceded as many as 71 goals in the Premier League this past season and investing heavily in the defence was an absolute priority.

However, Howe has managed to sign Lloyd Kelly from Bristol City and Harry Wilson on loan from Liverpool. Meanwhile, Simon Francis is still on the recovery trail following a serious knee injury that he suffered back in December.

Howe needs to bring in at least another right-back to compete with Adam Smith as well as maintain the perfect balance in his squad. In that case, Connor Roberts would be a smart fit at the Vitality Stadium.

Roberts is noted for his versatility to play on either side of the backline. While he is predominantly a right-back, the Welshman is also adept at playing as a left-back and further up the pitch as a right-sided midfielder or on the right flank.

He is a proper modern-day full-back, who has the pace to make runs up and down the field and has an impact on both parts of the game.

A fast, sharp, agile and hardworking player noted for his high energy and top work-rate, the 23-year-old covers every blade of grass down the flanks and provides stability to the team.

Calm and composed in possession, Roberts is a fantastic talent, who is more than capable of stepping up in the Premier League and play well there.

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Defensively solid as well, the Wales international would be the ideal long-term replacement for the ageing Francis, whilst providing competition for Smith.

Verdict

At 23, Roberts has his best years ahead of him and a move to Bournemouth could prove beneficial for his career.

Howe has shown an inclination towards promoting youngsters at the Vitality and thus, a switch to the Cherries would do the Welsh flyer a world of good in terms of his development and international prospects.