Jaidon Anthony
Winger Anthony signed a five-year deal back in February to confirm his long-term future lies with Cherries, the former Arsenal youngster now entering his second season in the Premier League. Much has changed since Anthony got his first taste of top-flight football against his former club last August, with the man who handed him his Premier League debut, Scott Parker, long gone. Parker’s replacement Gary O’Neil has also moved on, with Basque boss Andoni Iraola in charge at Cherries. With the Spaniard liking his teams to press high and use the full width of the pitch, it appears the change in management could be a good fit for Anthony. When this was put to the wideman,
Jaidon Anthony said: “Different playing style, different ideas and I’m enjoying it. It’s been a tough pre-season getting to know the way he wants us to play and to be honest we’re still learning as we go, but I think we’re all enjoying it and combining into what he wants us to do. I probably played a lot of my minutes last year as a wing-back and doing a lot of defensive work. Obviously this year we’ve got a different formation and there’s a lot of running in behind, but yes, there’s a lot of work to be done on my game especially.”
Finding himself at Cherries after being released by Arsenal, it has not been a straight forward path to the top for Anthony, who was playing his football on loan in the sixth tier as recently as 2020.
Jaidon Anthony said: “I’m working out every day to improve not just what I’m not so good at. But what I’m very good at as well, to try and become more of a complete player.”
Asked if he has any particular goals for the campaign ahead, Anthony remained coy,
Jaidon Anthony sharing: “Nothing too specific, but obviously just want to do as well as I can and try and help wherever I can. There’s obviously personal targets I want to try and hit, but my main goal is to help the team in whatever capacity I’m needed.”
With every outfielder encouraged to get forward when the opportunity arises, players often have to deputise in unfamiliar positions to help Cherries keep their shape. After playing as a quasi-wing back for much of last season, Anthony is more than willing to help out at the back if needs must.
Jaidon Anthony restarted: “As a team we want to help each other out where we can and if I’m not attacking then I’m going to try and do my best for the team wherever they need me. If I have to cover, then that’s what I’ll do. But my job is to try and attack and create chances and that’s what I’m trying to do for the team.”
