Is Adam Smith Set To Keep The Starting Right Back Spot For AFCB?

For much of the summer, it appeared as though AFC Bournemouth had finally found the long-term successor to Adam Smith at right-back. The arrival of Juanlu Sánchez from Sevilla brought youth, European experience and clear potential, while the expectation outside the club was that the 22-year-old would quickly establish himself as the first-choice option.anlu Sánchez

Two Premier League matches into the 2026/27 campaign, however, the situation looks rather different.

Adam Smith has started both of Bournemouth's opening league games, first away at Manchester City and then in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Everton at the Vitality Stadium. More significantly, new signing Juanlu was not even included in the squad against Everton, raising further questions over just how quickly the Spaniard will be introduced into Marco Rose's plans.

At this stage, Smith looks like the man Rose trusts most at right-back.

That should perhaps come as no surprise. While Bournemouth have spent the last few years preparing for the inevitable transition away from one of their longest-serving players, Smith continues to prove his value whenever he is called upon. His experience, positional awareness and understanding of the club remain significant assets, particularly during a period of transition under a new manager.

Rose has only been in charge for two competitive matches, making the need for reliable and familiar figures within his side even greater. Smith offers exactly that. He knows the demands of the Premier League, understands Bournemouth's defensive structure and has repeatedly demonstrated that, despite his age, he remains more than capable of competing at this level.

The opening two fixtures have also given a strong indication of where the current pecking order stands. Starting Smith against Manchester City was understandable given the difficulty of the occasion, but retaining him for the first home game against Everton was another important sign of trust. With Juanlu absent from the matchday squad altogether, Smith's position currently appears even stronger.

Of course, it would be premature to suggest that Juanlu's Bournemouth career has already hit a stumbling block. The Spaniard was signed with the future in mind as well as the present, and there is still plenty of time for him to adapt to English football and earn his opportunity.

But football is often about timing and momentum, and Smith has started the season with both. Every game he begins gives Rose another opportunity to see the value of having an experienced and dependable player in that position.

The expectation may have been that Juanlu would arrive and immediately take Smith's place. Instead, the opening weeks of the campaign suggest that Bournemouth's veteran right-back is not ready to surrender his shirt just yet.

If anything, Smith has sent an early message: for the 2026/27 season, the right-back position is still his to lose.