Bournemouth Opinion: Why the Cherries should go all out for Philip Billing

According to a report from The Daily Echo, Bournemouth are plotting a swoop for Huddersfield Town midfielder Philip Billing.

Billing, 23, was one of the rare bright sparks in an otherwise dismal campaign for Huddersfield, who were relegated from the Premier League at the end of the season.

The rangy midfielder made 27 Premier League appearances for the Terriers during the 2018-19 campaign, scoring in games against Everton and Southampton.

The report claims that the Denmark Under-21 international is available this summer, following Huddersfield’s relegation to the Championship. With Eddie Howe believed to be a big admirer of Billing, Bournemouth should do everything to their powers to sign the midfielder.

The Cherries had an up and down campaign last term as they finished 14th in the league. The performances of especially Callum Wilson, Ryan Fraser, Josh King, David Brooks and Nathan Ake played a massive part in helping Eddie Howe’s side to end the season well clear of the relegation places.

But Howe will be keen to improve next season and in an effort to return back to the form they showed in the 2016/17 season, they’ll need to strengthen their midfield.

Lewis Cook has been sidelined since rupturing an anterior cruciate ligament in his knee during a Premier League clash against Huddersfield in December. He certainly won’t be rushed back into action. Other than Cook, Howe has the likes of Jefferson Lerma, Dan Gosling, Junior Stanislas and Andrew Surman as options in central midfield.

There’s clearly a lack of depth as far as the central midfield department is concerned and signing Philip Billing would be a step in the right direction.

Billing’s slick passing ability would enable Bournemouth to unlock defences and turn defence into attack more quickly. He is a powerful and direct dribbler who would offer something different to the Cherries’ current midfield players.

The 23-year-old likes to get on the ball a lot and besides someone like Lerma, Billing could help give Eddie Howe a real solid double pivot in the 2019/20 season.

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The towering Dane is skilful, athletic, and would add a much-needed physical presence to Howe’s side. To add to his physicality and passing range, the Huddersfield man has a sweet left foot that is capable of scoring worldies.

Verdict

Bournemouth fans should be happy if Howe manages to land Billing. It’ll be a strong statement and also will show that their manager is sticking to the club’s tradition of signing younger, talented players.