Bournemouth Opinion: Why the Cherries should go for Kenny Lala?
Back in June 2018, France Football claimed that Bournemouth were interested in signing Strasbourg right-back, Kenny Lala. However, a move didn’t materialise and the Frenchman stayed with Strasbourg.
Kenny Lala, 27, enjoyed an excellent campaign in Ligue 1, scoring five goals and supplying nine assists in 34 games. He was key in his side’s comfortable 11th placed finish this season and at 27, Lala is at the perfect age to try and test himself in a more competitive league.
The Premier League would be the ideal destination for the Frenchman and thus, Bournemouth must reignite their interest in Kenny Lala.
The Cherries had a decent season in the Premier League as they finished 14th in the table. However, Eddie Howe will be highly disappointed, given the start they had enjoyed in the 2018/19. His team has been doing well ever since achieving promotion to the top-flight and the 41-year-old will be eager to improve next term.
Bournemouth are one of the most exciting sides to watch in the Premier League due to their attacking, expansive style of football. But if they are to break into the top half of the table, Howe needs to add more quality to his squad.
So far, the south coast club have signed Lloyd Kelly from Bristol City this summer and after signing a new left-back, Howe must bring in a right-back.
Nathaniel Clyne has returned back to Liverpool after the expiry of his loan spell, while Simon Francis is 34 and slowly edging towards the end of his career. Adam Smith is an option but he spent the entire second half of the last campaign on the left in order to accommodate Clyne. To provide competition and cover to Smith, Howe would do a wonderful job by signing Lala.
A right-back by trade, Lala is equally comfortable playing at right wing-back, right wing and on the left. He possesses really good pace and agility with superb passing and crossing abilities. The Frenchman operates with a lot of intensity and works really hard for the team’s cause. Despite being a right-back, he is a composed finisher in front of goal as well.
To Read More Bournemouth News, Click Here:- Latest Bournemouth News
Lala’s biggest strength is his ability to contribute going forward, marauding up the flank with pace and power. But that doesn’t make him a slouch when it comes to defending as he is a clean tackler and doesn’t get beaten so easily.
Verdict
Lala is the sort of player Bournemouth should be signing to challenge for a top half finish next season. Truly, the Frenchman possess the pace, power, stamina and technical abilities to take the Premier League by storm, whilst being an upgrade on both Smith and Francis.
