Shearer: Ouattara is really stepping up for Bournemouth

Despite losing strikers Evanilson and Enes Unal to long-term injuries, AFC Bournemouth are continuing to thrive thanks to the versatile Dango Ouattara stepping up as the Cherries' centre-forward.

The 22-year-old became the first player from Burkina Faso to score a Premier League hat-trick, with his treble part of an outstanding performance in the 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest, extending Bournemouth's unbeaten run to 11 matches as they continue their push for European football next season.

Ouattara was "too hot to handle", according to Alan Shearer, the Premier League's record goalscorer, who has also picked Justin Kluivert, plus manager Andoni Iraola, from the Cherries in his Matchweek 23 Team of the Week.

Jakub Stolarczyk (Leicester)
"The Pole made some big saves to help Leicester to a huge win at Tottenham Hotspur that moved them out of the bottom three."

Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool)
"Not only good defensively, but he makes playing out from the back look so easy, with his incisive pass for Dominik Szoboszlai’s opening goal a prime example."

James Tarkowski (Everton)
"A towering display from the Everton captain, inspiring his side to an eighth clean sheet of the season."

Josko Gvardiol (Man City)
"Solid defensively and a constant threat down the left flank, scoring the equaliser against Chelsea."

Sandro Tonali (Newcastle)
"He was the driving force in the Newcastle midfield and took his goal superbly."

Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool)
"Opened the scoring with a fine finish and produced a really impressive performance. He was too good for Ipswich."

Mikkel Damsgaard (Brentford)
"The best player on the pitch. I would have loved to have been on the end of his cross for Kevin Schade’s winner!"

Justin Kluivert (AFC Bournemouth)
"What a run of form he’s in. Another goal and an assist for the high-flying Cherries."

Dango Ouattara (AFC Bournemouth)
"Hat-trick hero! He's really stepping up as a centre-forward in the absence of Evanilson and Enes Unal, and he was simply too hot to handle for Nottingham Forest."

Ouattara's hat-trick v Forest

Alexander Isak (Newcastle)
"Just unstoppable at the moment. Another two goals, and he's now only two behind Mohamed Salah in the race for the Golden Boot."

Cody Gakpo (Liverpool)
"Two goals, an assist and always a threat. The Dutchman is having a great season."

Manager: Andoni Iraola (AFC Bournemouth)
"Another week, another stunning win for Bournemouth. His side are a joy to watch and are well and truly in the race for Europe."