What does the future hold for Denmark international Philip Billing at Bournemouth?
Less than 12 months ago, Billing was signing a new contract with the Cherries, penning a new four-year contract with the club at the end of August 2023.
However, within a couple of months of the ink drying on that new deal, Billing’s appearances and game time had dramatically fallen.
The 28-year-old featured in 36 of 38 Premier League games during the 2022/23 campaign under former head coaches Scott Parker and Gary O’Neil, playing 2,787 minutes, scoring 7 goals and 1 assist.
That run initially continued under new AFC Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola, with 12 of Billing’s 13 Premier League starts all coming between the start of the season and the beginning of November. With just one start coming during the 2024 calendar year so far.
His Premier League minutes totaled just 1,393, boosted by 16 appearances from the bench, as Billing appeared to struggle to adapt to the new pressing style under Iraola and dropped down the pecking order behind Justin Kluivert, Alex Scott, Ryan Christie, Tyler Adams and Lewis Cook as options in midfield.
Speaking to the Daily Echo, AFC Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola said…
“He started by playing much more minutes than he ended.
“He was coming from very good seasons.
“I have no doubt about his level. He is a very, very good player.
“But it has been very difficult for me, because especially with Justin and Alex Scott, players that could play there in his position, with Ryan Christie performing so well, the competition there is very high.
“But I am happy with how he has helped the team, even from the bench in second halves.
“For someone who is used to playing more, he hasn’t complained.
Your say…
dragonm8 said…
Billing…awful last season, lethargic and disinterested at this level, the game moves to fast for him. – To join the conversation, click here.