Bournemouth opinion: The Cherries should go all out for Renato Steffen
It once looked as if Bournemouth would be challenging for a top-eight finish following their fantastic start to the season. Seven games remaining in the Premier League, the Cherries find themselves 11th in the table.
Bournemouth endured a tough February and haven’t inspired much so far in March. They have won only once in the last five games and that shows the dip in form Eddie Howe’s men have suffered of late.
Injuries to key players haven’t helped the team’s cause either, which further suggest how important it is to have squad depth to compete against the best in the Premier League.
Howe has built this Bournemouth side with young talents, giving an identity to the club by playing an attacking, expansive style of football. In Callum Wilson, Joshua King, David Brooks, Ryan Fraser, Jordon Ibe and Dominic Solanke, the Cherries have one of the most exciting attacking units in the Premier League.
Regardless of the attacking riches, an addition of another forward will surely bring competition and hopefully, the best out of the current lot. That said, Howe should add quality and depth to his attacking ranks by targeting Wolfsburg star Renato Steffen.
Renato Steffen, 27, joined Wolfsburg last January after spending two seasons with FC Basel. The five-cap Switzerland international helped Wolfsburg maintain their Bundesliga status last season. He has done well in his first full season in the Bundesliga, managing three goals and an assist in 27 games.
Predominantly a right winger, Steffen can also play on the left, through the middle in the no.10 role or as a secondary striker.
He is an exceptionally gifted technician who has the ability to dribble past players and keep possession in congested areas. The Swiss is a classy operator of the ball, beating opponents with his pace, trickery and smartness.
The 27-year-old’s speed and movement allows him to get in behind the last defender and his one-touch link-up play in and around the box is fantastic. Steffen is also a fantastic crosser of the ball and the likes of Wilson and King would thrive from his deliveries inside the box.
Furthermore, he has a lethal left foot that is capable of producing long-range scorchers. However, what sets Steffen apart from other wingers is the fact that he’s willing to do his fair share of defensive duties.
Verdict
Bournemouth shouldn’t think twice about making a move for Steffen, who at 27 is playing in his prime. The Swiss would certainly add more potency to the Cherries’ attack by combining well with the likes of Fraser, Wilson, Brooks and King.
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It’s a move that will only help Howe’s Bournemouth in challenging for a top eight finish next season.