Can one "superb" midfielder fire Bournemouth into the Premier League's top six? If recent performances are anything to go by, the answer might just be yes.
"I love him. He's got everything that a midfielder should have playing in the Premier League. I love his game." Those were the words of Premier League winner Micah Richards, singing the praises of Alex Scott on BBC's Match of the Day after yet another standout display.
The 22-year-old has been an ever-present force for Bournemouth this season, featuring in all 35 matches and starting 32 times. His versatility is a manager's dream—he's seamlessly shifted between deep midfield, central midfield, and even attacking midfield roles. Against Crystal Palace on Sunday, Scott thrived as part of a double pivot alongside Tyler Adams, providing the defensive foundation for an attacking quartet of Junior Kroupi, Marcus Tavernier, Rayan, and Evanilson.
His influence on the game was undeniable. Only central defenders James Hill and Marco Senesi—key figures in Bournemouth's build-up play—registered more than Scott's 69 touches against the Eagles. Similarly, only Senesi completed more passes than his 43. Touch maps from the match reveal Scott's impact across the entire pitch, showcasing a balanced mix of progressive passes and smart possession retention.
What makes Scott's rise even more impressive is the context around it. Bournemouth have continued to shine despite losing key figures. Much was made of Antoine Semenyo's January departure and the potential derailment it could cause, yet the Cherries remain unbeaten since his exit. January signing Rayan has slotted in almost seamlessly, while the emergence of Junior Kroupi has eased the goalscoring burden.
This resilience speaks volumes about the club's recruitment strategy and stable environment. Despite the constant churn of players—and the recognition that top performers will likely be sold for profit—the trust in the system allows players like Scott the time and space to find their feet.
Scott's journey hasn't been without hurdles. After signing from Bristol City in the summer of 2024, his first season was interrupted by a meniscus tear. But in his second campaign, he's kicked on to become a pivotal figure, putting himself on the brink of a call-up to Thomas Tuchel's England World Cup squad.
Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer summed it up best: "He's having a brilliant season and standing out in every game. Superb." If Scott keeps this form, don't be surprised to see Bournemouth pushing for a top-six finish—and his name on the back of plenty of jerseys.