Dominic Solanke is loving life alongside former Celtic playmaker Ryan Christie at Bournemouth, describing the Scotland international as an “amazing’ talent in conversation with the Daily Echo.
Ange Postecoglou’s loss has most certainly been Scott Parker’s gain.
Turning down a move to Premier League Burnley in favour of a more front-foot, forward-thinking style of football on the South Coast, Christie has taken to the Championship like the proverbial duck to water, thriving in a Bournemouth team unbeaten in 14 games and cruising at the top of the table.
The club’s new number ten has five assists in just nine league games already and set up one of Solanke’s two goals during Saturday’s crushing victory over a previously in-form Huddersfield Town.
Former Celtic star Ryan Christie ripping it up at Bournemouth
“I think he has been amazing,” said Solanke, who is finally living up to the promise he showed during spells at top-flight giants Chelsea and Liverpool.
“You can see with the assists he’s got this season how much he’s helped us. I think we knew that from the moment we signed him and we’re lucky to have him.
“It will be nice when he gets his first goal after all the assists he’s got. As long as we keep winning and everyone keeps doing their part, it’s good.”
Bournemouth paid just £2.5 million for Christie at the end of August, taking full advantage of the fact his Celtic contract was due to expire a few months later.
However, according to The Sun (3 October, page 61), Celtic will be due a further £2 million in add-ons should Bournemouth secure a return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Given the way Parker’s all-conquering side have started the campaign, Postecoglou can probably start thinking about what he wants to buy with that seven-figure windfall.
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