Bournemouth striker Benik Afobe is hoping to earn a regular starting role during the upcoming season despite the arrival of experienced hitman Jermain Defoe.
The 24-year-old joined Bournemouth, who are priced at 7.00 to be relegated, from Wolves in January 2016 for a fee in the region of £10million but he has not always been a regular at the Vitality Stadium.
The former Arsenal trainee started last season as a backup option to Callum Wilson but he did earn more gametime as the campaign progressed due to the latter’s long-term injury.
Josh King also provided plenty of competition for a starting role in attack and next term is likely to prove even tougher following the signing of Defoe.
Afobe did manage to enjoy a productive end to 2016-17 and he finished with six goals from 14 Premier League starts, but there are no guarantees going forward.
The DR Congo international recognises that there is plenty of competition for places throughout the squad but remains hopeful of getting opportunities from boss Eddie Howe.
Afobe told the Daily Echo: “We have players with great quality in every position.
You have to perform to the best of your ability, work hard and be strong.
“It’s a long season and I found that out last season where I wasn’t playing at the beginning but I kept patient and worked hard, I was friendly and bubbly around the place and when I got my chance, I took it.
“I stayed in the team for a long period of time and, hopefully, next season I will build on that and get more starts and more goals.”
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