Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth are as competitive as we might have thought this season, as the ultimate underdogs continue their success story. The Cherries have beaten Chelsea, Manchester United and West Ham United this season, amongst others, and have lifted themselves out of the drop zone.

Their activity in the transfer market already this winter has been ambitious. A club record deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers marksman Benik Afobe has been secured, while they have sensationally landed Juan Iturbe on loan from Serie A giants Roma.

Considering the depilating injuries Howe and the club had to deal with during the embryonic stages of their maiden Premier League campaign, the January market brings a welcome rest bite to such strained resources.

Calum Wilson remains their joint highest scorer with five goals, despite not appearing since late September. Lewis Grabban has been drafted back into the squad from Norwich in an effort to try and add some much needed goals to the squad.

But, what else do they need? The South Coast side may in a better position than others in the bid to beat the drop, though they are not the type to rest on their laurels.

Further January additions are likely to arrive, so here are FIVE players Howe can sign in order to secure Premier League survival...

JONATHAN DE GUZMAN

Dutch international midfielder Jonathan De Guzman is understood to have been a target in the summer, though a deal ultimately fell through at the final hour. However, the Napoli man is said to have remained on the radar and would represent an excellent signing.

Well versed in the arts of the Premier League having spent two years on loan with a then impressive Swansea City side, the 28-year old would provide another layer of class to an already pretty decent engine room at the Vitality Stadium.

Having plied his trade in a slick passing Swans side, arguably their best two teams during their Premier League era, the former Villarreal man is seemingly a natural fit for the Cherries.

He’s also an imposing physical presence, who can help shield the defence when required, something which may be useful considering they have faced the fourth highest number of attempts on goal.

DAVID MARSHALL

Both Adam Federici and Artur Boruc have been somewhat inconsistent this season between the posts. While both are adequate shot stoppers, neither have a truly commanding presence in their all-round aspects of the game. The latter in particular is always susceptible to an utter disaster.

While adding goals to the team is all well and good, Howe must find an undisputed Number 1. With that in mind, Cardiff City’s David Marshall would represent an excellent signing.

The Scotland captain impressed during the Bluebirds’ brief stint in the top tier, even making it into the Sky Sports Team of the Year. He’s an extremely focused individual, able to go large portions of a game without seeing the ball before pulling off a crucial save.

For a team like Bournemouth, who more often than not enjoy a lot of ball retention, a custodian able to focus without being called into action an awful lot is imperative.

CURTIS DAVIES

 

In stark contrast to the arrival of someone like Juan Iturbe, Hull City defender Curtis Davies may not exactly get the juices flowing on the South Coast. Still, the 31-year old is an experienced Premier League defender and could do a job as a short-term backup.

While there’s nothing inherently wrong with the Cherries rearguard, their lack of top flight nous has occasionally been exposed this season. Sylvain Distin was a wise signing, though his ageing legs don’t offer much in the way of recovery pace.

Davies remains a fine athlete, even into this 30s. He may not be as stout a defender as the aforementioned Frenchman, but can call on his vast experience as well as pace, power and natural reading of the game.

Mixing a player of such ilk with the silky attacking stars further up the field are two ingredients of Premier League survival.

LEWIS COOK

Despite Leeds insisting their talented young midfielder is not for sale, Lewis Cook suits Bournemouth down to the ground.

The 18-year old is a key member of the England-under 19 squad, drawing comparisons to a certain red haired legend across the Pennines due to his impressive playmaking abilities. Comfortable in possession, the teen sensation was instrumental in the Young Lions’ European Championship win for the under-17 age group.

Perhaps not the paciest, he excels in either a driving box-to-box midfielder, or as a deep-lying playmaker. Eloquent on the ball, he is still learning his trade and will only improve in his defensive attributes.

Almost a Jack Wilshere like presence, he is seemingly a natural fit on the South Coast. Signing him would also be a huge statement of intent for the Premier League underdogs.

ANDROS TOWNSEND

Max Gradel impressed during the opening stages of this Bournemouth career, though the Ivory Coast star fell foul to a serious ligament injury earlier this season. While Juan Iturbe has arrived, Chelsea winger Christian Atsu has seen his loan spell cut short, leaving the wide options a little light.

Andros Townsend has been linked with a raft of Premier League clubs as his time at Tottenham appears to be drawing to a close. Now Afobe has arrived to spearhead the attack, perhaps the England man would be a perfect foil to the £12m man.

His searing pace is clearly well suited to the counter attack when the going gets tough, though it could also provide an effective outlet to some of the more possession based play.

The addition of two strikers in the shape of Afobe and Grabban is clearly to address the lack of goals. However, why stop there? The 24-year old winger can also be a threat in front of goal due to his tendency to cut inside and fire from long range, adding much needed firepower from the engine room.