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Good Job Eddie Howe – Why This talented Left-back’s Contract Extension Will Prove Pivotal For Bournemouth

Charlie Daniels

Why Charlie Daniels’ Contract Extension At Bournemouth Is A Good Move

It hasn’t been a great start to the new season for Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth. They are the only other team in the Premier League, apart from Crystal Palace, yet to register a single point, and find themselves second from bottom in the table, thanks to Crystal Palace who have not scored a single goal this term.

However, there was some good news for the fans this past week, as long-serving defender Charlie Daniels penned a new three-year contract with the Cherries on his 31st birthday i.e., September 7, extending his stay until 2020 with the club. (BBC Sport) 

A Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate, Daniels never played for the Lilywhites, but made his mark with lower league side Leyton Orient, before being snapped up by Bournemouth in January 2012. Since signing for them, the 31-year old left-back has been pivotal in their rise through the pyramid of the English football.

Daniels played an important role in helping the Cherries make the step up to the Championship from League One in the 2012/13 campaign, scoring 4 goals and registering 5 assists. He was equally crucial in the two years that Bournemouth spent in the second division, before earning promotion to the Premier League ahead of the 2015/16 campaign, and has been one of their most consistent players in the top-flight, helping them to cement their Premier League status.

Till date, the Englishman has appeared on 206 occasions for Eddie Howe’s side, in which he has managed 16 goals and 23 assists to his name.

Not the flashiest of the left-backs in the modern era of attack-minded full-backs, Daniels exudes calmness at the back but can be an equally menacing proposition going forward. The evidence of the threat he posed in the attack was there for all to see before the international break, when he scored from a thunderous half-volley in the 2-1 loss to Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium. It was a strike filled with such power and venom, and oozed class. Daniels was rightly rewarded with the Premier League Goal of the month for August. 

That is what he brings to the table – calmness, composure, good technical ability and every now and then, a moment of brilliance. Add to that, his impeccable set-piece delivery and it’s not hard to see why he is valued so highly at Bournemouth.

Daniels may have entered his 30s, but is still in tip-top physical condition and looks like he has plenty left in his tanks to offer to the club. It is important that the Cherries keep hold of players as experienced as him, if they are to continue building upon their recent success in the Premier League, after finishing in 9th position last time around.  

Things may have gotten off to a poor start in the ongoing campaign, but as was on show last season, this Bournemouth side have what it takes to bounce back from the adversity. In Eddie Howe, they have a bright young manager who can guide them through the tumultuous beginning.  

Daniels’ contract extension should have a positive effect, as the player will be spurred to perform even better and repay the faith the club has shown in him. A leader on the field, he will have a pivotal role to play for the club going forward and his extension is a very good move by the club.