Cherries’ fans have been treated to a season of scintillating football, historic points totals, inspired performances, memorable results and even a bit of cup dreaming in between.
The season started inconsistently with **Andoni Iraola**’s men struggling to find form and turn their superior performances into points; narrow defeats to Chelsea and Leicester City spring to mind in particular.
But their fortunes soon changed with an historic run of results soon after.
The club went on an incredible eleven-game unbeaten run, seven of which were victories against Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, all whilst the club was in the midst of the worst injury crisis in the league and had to top up the bench with academy stars.
As a result, the club found themselves in the fight for European football with Antoine Semenyo, Justin Kluviert, Ryan Christie and Dean Huijsen all on top form.
However, just when the fans started to sing of European nights against Bayern Munich and AS Roma, Bournemouth found themselves on the end of a six-game winnless streak that severely dented their European hopes.
Moreover, a promising FA Cup run came to a disappointing and abrupt end to Manchester City, despite taking the lead and stopping a first-half Erling Haaland penalty.
It all left the Bournemouth fans feeling a little deflated but it has not totally dampened their spirits in respecting the magnitude of what the players have achieved with their 9th-place finish and record points total.
Come the end of season awards, fans and players were offered plenty of options to choose from, such was the level of performances from Cherries’ players.
Here is who took home the awards for the boys in red and black…
Player of the Season: Ryan Christie
There were plenty of worthy options for this award such as Antoine Semenyo, Lewis Cook, Milos Kerkez and Justin Kluivert.
However, as the ‘engine room’ in the middle and being responsible for chasing opposition players as well supplying teammates with cutting passes, Christie has easily earned this award.
The Scot’s season came to a sudden end with the club unwilling to risk further worsening his niggling groin injury and the Cherries drop-off was startling for games after.
Christie brings plenty of energy and running to **Iroala*’s side and is a key component in making ‘Iraolaball*’ function, particularly when it comes to the press.
And this season, it has been no different.
Christie may not get the headlines and his direct contribution to the side is minimal with just two goals and as many assists, but it is everything else that makes him so special, especially this season.
Young Player of the Season: Milos Kerkez
Just as before, there were plenty of suitors for this award but given this player was also in most people’s Premier League Team of the Season, it only made sense to give Milos Kerkez **Bournemouth**’s Young Player of the Season award.
The Hungarian has had a storming season at left back, scoring two goals and assisting his teammates five times, a massive improvement from last season’s single assist.
And the statistics back up this marked improvement with Kerkez landing in the upper percentiles for Premier League full backs for interceptions, progressive carries, progressive passes, crosses and fouls drawn.
With his super season ending recently, it appears Kerkez is on his way out of the Vitality Stadium for the bright lights of Anfield but fans can look back knowing the left back lived up to his potential and provided them with electric performances down his side with some cracking goals too.
Best Signing: Dean Huijsen
An unsurprising choice for many, **Dean Huijsen**’s arrival on the South Coast has been revolutionary for both the club and player.
Upon his arrival, expectations of Huijsen were not high despite the buckets of potential the Spaniard possessed.
Huijsen had to make way for fellow central defender Marcos Senesi until the Argentine picked up an injury, requiring the young defender to finally step up against some of the league’s best.
The result was top European clubs purring over **Huijsen**’s performances for the Cherries, picking up vital goals and assists along the way.
Cherries’ fans only managed to see the Spanish wonder kid play 36 times in the league before bagging a £50 million move to the mighty Real Madrid but will forever sit in their hearts as the chill guy who helped provide historic victories over Tottenham and Arsenal.
Most improved: Dango Ouattara
Undoubtedly, Burkina Faso international Dango Ouattara takes home the award for Most Improved Player after a breakthrough season full of promise and purpose.
At the height of the club’s injury crisis, Ouattara was thrust into an unfamiliar role up front and delivered in spectacular fashion.
His stunning hat-trick in a 5–0 demolition of Nottingham Forest was the pinnacle of his season and a moment fans will not forget.
**Ouattara**’s numbers speak volumes.
He racked up 11 goal contributions, a significant jump from last season’s tally of just three.
But it’s not just about stats, his overall game has matured.
Once seen as erratic and unpredictable, the Burkinabé has refined his touch, sharpened his passing, and added composure to his play.
This season, he stepped up when it mattered most and in doing so, he has not only played a crucial role in the Cherries’ success but has also started to carve out a reputation as a rising cult hero at The Vitality.
Surprise Package: Justin Kluivert
It may seem slightly harsh to label Justin Kluivert as a “surprise package” considering his solid first season in England but the Dutchman’s explosive growth and end product this campaign made this award a no-brainer.
Kluivert nearly doubled his output this season with 18 total goal contributions, including an impressive 12 goals.
Most memorable were his two hat-tricks against Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers, which lit up **Bournemouth**’s season and got heads turning.
This was undoubtedly **Kluivert**’s best season as a professional and looks stronger, smarter, and more confident, an ideal fit for **Iraola**’s tactical setup in that dynamic number ten role.
His quick, direct running and sharp instincts had fans shifting in their seats every time he picked up the ball and with this season under his belt, there’s growing optimism that Kluivert can hit even greater heights next year.
Best Result: Newcastle United 1-4 Bournemouth
There were plenty of standout wins this season, but **Bournemouth**’s 4–1 thrashing of Newcastle at St James’ Park is the best of the lot.
Coming into the match, the Magpies were riding high on a nine-game winning streak and chasing a club-record tenth but the Cherries had other plans.
In the heart of their own unbeaten run and amidst an ongoing injury crisis, Bournemouth produced a flawless team performance.
From back to front, every player delivered.
Goals from Justin Kluivert and Milos Kerkez capped off a display where Iraola’s gameplan was executed to perfection.
The pressing, attacking flow, defensive shape, and sheer work rate overwhelmed a usually formidable Newcastle side and at no point did the Cherries look second-best.
It was a statement victory, dominant, clinical, and controlled, that forced the wider football community to take Bournemouth seriously during the campaign.