Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe says he is delighted to have midfielder Lewis Cook back fit again after he impressed on his return against Everton. The former Leeds United starlet missed a large chunk of last season due to a knee injury, but returned on Sunday as the Cherries secured an impressive 3-1 victory against Marco Silva’s Everton.
The 22-year-old impressed from the off and played like he had never been away, despite Sunday being his first competitive start since December 4.
When he suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage to his right knee, the Yorkshireman was pushing for an England recall and his boss is confident he will get back to that form.
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Howe said: “Lewis has the technical qualities and handles the ball in any situation. You saw early in the match how he manipulated himself out of some really difficult holes and that is full credit to the type of player he is.
“He is very much the modern-day central midfield player and we’re just pleased to get him back. We hope he stays fit and available and gets back to the consistency from before because he was a huge part of our team.”
Howe will now be keeping his fingers crossed that Cook can get some consistent playing time under his belt as there is no doubting his influence on the team.
Bournemouth currently find themselves in ninth place in the Premier League table, with seven points secured from their first five games.
The Cherries are next in action on Friday night along the south coast against Southampton at St Mary’s.
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Saints sit just one place behind Howe’s side in the table, with both teams level on points and goal difference.
