What Role Does Marcus Tavernier Have Under Marco Rose?

Unlike most players, Marcus Tavernier possesses the ability to be comfortable playing in a myriad of positions across the pitch. Whether that be on either wing, in central midfield and even filling in at left back, Tavernier has always been one of Cherries' most consistent performers. 

However, with Tavernier's natural position being a left winger, that may be a disadvantage for him. Bournemouth are blessed with having Tavernier, Kroupi, Kluivert and Adli that have all played large parts of their career off the left, which means that there will be a couple of these players who will struggle to get minutes there next season. 

As well as this, Marco Rose likes his wingers to be slightly more tucked compared to Iraola's system, with the full backs flying on and providing most of the width. This is where a player like Kroupi or Kluivert would be more effective, as they have more experienced playing centrally. 

Last season, Tavernier often filled in for Ryan Christie in the 8 when he was out injured, but now with Cherries having 5 fit central midfielders (Scott, Adams, Cook, Christie & Toth), that position looks to have enough quality and depth to warrant Tav not having to fill in there.

As mentioned previously, Rose doesn't play with an out and out 10 as he plays with 2 strikers (Evanilson & Rodriguez). This takes away another position that the 27 year old would play in under Andoni Iraola, which proves that his role next season will be as a winger of some form. 

Something that will play into Tavernier's hands is his top quality work rate week in week out. This will go hand in hand with AFCB's increase in games across the board this season.

In a season where a team has to balance European football and Domestic success, players that shine are often the ones who have the highest fitness levels, and can handle playing Thursday - Sunday frequently. 

Cherries will also need to manage the minutes of Gannon - Doak, Brooks and Kluivert due to their poor injury records. In order to do this, a good idea would be for Tavernier to play the opening 60-70 minutes to provide more control, with the more explosive players like Kluivert or Doak playing the last half hour against tired legs at full back. 

If Junior Kroupi does leave the club in the Summer window, AFCB fans can expect to see Marcus Tavernier playing off the left for a large chunk of next season. However, if Kroupi stays, as his profile suits the Rose system more, the frenchman will be the more likely of the two to start behind the front 2 next season.