Ryan Christie exclusive: Bournemouth star on midfield transformation, Andoni Iraola, Dominic Solanke and more

In an exclusive interview, Bournemouth star Ryan Christie discusses his midfield transformation, Andoni Iraola's methods, the fine form of Dominic Solanke and more; watch Bournemouth vs Liverpool live on Sky Sports from 3.30pm on Sunday; kick-off 4.30pm

Football Journalist @DanSansom_

Friday 19 January 2024 17:31, UK

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It's no coincidence that Bournemouth's impressive turnaround under Andoni Iraola has coincided with a positional change for midfielder Ryan Christie.

Christie, who usually operates as a No 10, was deployed in a deeper role during a 2-0 victory over Newcastle before the November international break and has remained there ever since, proving instrumental in a run that has seen Bournemouth win six of their last eight Premier League games.

«I don't think I can take credit for that,» he tells Sky Sports with a broad grin ahead of Bournemouth's home clash with Liverpool on Super Sunday. «I wish I could, but there have been loads of reasons.

»Defensively we've been amazing and we're scoring goals. Everyone has found their game now and it's all glued together in the last few months."

Christie's modesty is admirable but his performances deserve to be highlighted. The 28-year-old is now playing some of the best football of his career and the stats suggest that too.

Since November 10, Christie has won possession more times in the middle third of the pitch than any other Premier League player, placing him above Manchester City's Rodri and Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold.

He also ranks first for tackles and duels won for Bournemouth this season and second for ball recoveries and interceptions.

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