#PLStories- Philip Billing reveals enjoyment in new found freedom on the pitch #AFCB

PHILIP Billing revels in his “free role” in the Cherries midfield, with the midfielder believing it allows him to “concentrate about the football”. At the start of the season, the Danish international was deployed in a slightly unfamiliar role in Scott Parker’s new look system, with Billing tasked with more defensive duties than he had previously been during Cherries’ promotion campaign in the Championship last term. The 2021-22 season was arguably the peak of Billing’s career so far, with the 26-year-old contributing 10 goals and 10 assists in his most productive season to date. Billing opened his account for the current campaign with a wonder-strike against Nottingham Forest in Cherries’ last game, with the Dane restored to a less restrictive role under interim head coach Gary O’Neil. Speaking on the freedom he has been given, Billing told the Daily Echo: “I enjoy playing the free role. “Just playing free and going on the pitch and not having too many things to think about. “Just concentrate about the football because I know my ability, I know what I'm capable of. “Just to have that free kind of role and get into the space and roaming the pitch, it’s nice. “Of course, I still have to help the team defensively, which we all have to do, that's what I have to do every game.” With Cherries still looking for a permanent head coach, Billing pointed out Cherries were in a good position after picking up seven points in their opening six Premier League games. However, the former Huddersfield Town man is also aware that there is plenty of football still to be played, calling upon his teammates to continue “building” on their solid start. He added: “Like I said, it's just the beginning. We just have to keep going. “Still very early doors. Hopefully we just keep building on that.”