Kluivert has made the right call with Cherries pick

Dan Fitch
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Justin Kluivert is being used in a central role at Bournemouth
Justin Kluivert is being used in a central role at Bournemouth

Justin Kluivert's famous surname has smoothed the way for moves to some of Europe's biggest clubs but he struggled to settle anywhere. 

Now on the South Coast of England at Bournemouth, the Netherlands international is reaping the benefits of finding some stability. 

Ahead of the Cherries' trip to West Ham tonight, we take a look at how Kluivert is finding life under Andoni Iraola.

Much travelled

When he made his transfer to Bournemouth last June, Kluivert set a new record which highlighted how little continuity he has had in his career. 

At 24, he became the youngest player to feature in all of Europe's big five leagues. 

Considering he started his career outside any of those competitions in his native Netherlands, that represents a lot of moves in a short amount of time. 

Son of former Netherlands and Barcelona striker Patrick Kluivert, he made his debut for Ajax at 17.

The hot prospect signed for Roma in 2018 and was then loaned to RB Leipzig, Nice and Valencia before joining Bournemouth on a permanent transfer. 

Justin Kluivert graduated from Ajax's academy
Justin Kluivert graduated from Ajax's academy

Describing the experience, Kluivert said: "It is not recommended, to be fair." 

After three successive loan moves, the attacker was looking to settle somewhere and was impressed by Bournemouth's offer. 

He said: "I am a person of feeling. I like that Bournemouth were interested in me very early, 100%, and for me that was enough. 

"I didn't have to think twice and I was so motivated, also because the club has a lot of ambition, which I also have." 

Versatile footballer

Justin Kluivert has shown glimpses of his talent this season
Justin Kluivert has shown glimpses of his talent this season

Used as a left winger in the early part of the season, Kluivert has been utilised as a No10 in recent months. 

Though his many moves were not ideal for his career progression, he credits the experience with helping him to become a versatile footballer. 

He said: "At Ajax, I was a real winger, staying on the line, one against one. 

"At Roma, I got to know different positions. No10, inside winger, second striker. 

"I have learnt a lot and I am thankful for that and want to learn even more and be better in every position I can be." 

Kluivert could be forgiven for initially questioning his decision to have joined Bournemouth, after they failed to win any of their first nine league games this season. 

The decision by Cherries coach Iraola to use the Dutchman in a central role coincided with the team going on a seven match unbeaten run. 

Supportive environment

Bournemouth showed faith in Andoni Iraola at the start of the season
Bournemouth showed faith in Andoni Iraola at the start of the season

Kluivert has talked about his initial struggles at the Vitality Stadium and how he and his team-mates turned things around. 

He said: "If you are losing, then you come into an environment where you are more scared to go for the action because you don't want to lose. 

"And now we are in a different momentum and the results speak for that. 

"We are willing to press, we are willing to do that extra and that comes from the wins, the confidence." 

Iraola was shown patience during a poor start to his tenure and Kluivert will surely benefit from being in such a supportive environment. 

So far he has scored four goals and made one assist in 19 appearances. It is a solid start and one that he can build upon. 

After so many years wandering Europe, it seems like Kluivert may have finally found a home where he can flourish.

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Justin KluivertAFC BournemouthPremier League