The arrival of Justin Kluivert from Roma can help lift AFC Bournemouth’s potential for goals in 2023/24 Fantasy Premier League.
The versatile winger looks set to be a key player for Andoni Iraola in the campaign ahead.
Kluivert’s direct style of play looks well-suited to the tactics of the Cherries’ new head coach.
Iraola favours a 4-2-3-1 formation, with his teams pressing high to win possession and get the ball out wide quickly.
Attacking promise
Kluivert’s all-round potential is highlighted by his output over the last two seasons while on loan at Nice and Valencia.
He scored 10 goals and supplied five assists over a combined 40 league starts.
The underlying numbers over those two loan spells show Kluivert has significantly improved his goal threat.
He scored every 242 minutes for Valencia in 2022/23, almost twice as quickly as his 471 minutes per goal for Nice in 2021/22.
Similarly, the Dutchman’s minutes per shot dropped from 63 to 33.
He also became far more accurate, averaging 85 minutes per shot on target for Valencia, more than 100 minutes quicker than his displays with Nice.
While that can partly be attributed to different tactics at each club, it is also an indication that Kluivert is becoming more consistent and confident in front of goal.
Kluivert's last two seasons
| 2021/22 | 2022/23 | |
| Shots | 30 | 44 |
|---|---|---|
| Shots on target | 10 | 17 |
| Mins/shot | 63 | 33 |
| Mins/shot on target | 188 | 85 |
| Mins/goal | 471 | 242 |
Bournemouth’s tough opening schedule in 2023/24 dents the appeal of investing in their players early on.
In their first seven matches, the Cherries face five of last season’s top nine sides.
Download: Complete FDR for 2023/24 (PDF, 220kb)
Managers in Fantasy should instead allow Kluivert time to settle before considering him for his kind run of opponents from Gameweek 8 onwards.
Also in this series
Part 1: Flekken can be Brentford’s No 1
Part 2: Advanced role will lift Mac Allister’s appeal
Part 3: Midfield role could lift Nkunku's appeal
Part 5: How new role can help Havertz thrive
Part 6: How Maddison compares with Spurs' attackers
Part 7: Can Mount rival Rashford and Fernandes?
Part 8: Onana can be top-scoring goalkeeper
Part 9: Diaby can rival Watkins as best Villa pick