Joshua King

Joshua King
Image from: news18.com

Joshua King



Current Club: Bournemouth.

Previous Clubs: Blackburn Rovers, Manchester United, Valerenga (U19).

Loan Clubs: Blackburn Rovers, Hull City, Borussia Moenchengladbach, Preston North End.



International: Norway 28 caps 7 goals.



Up until now his incredible pace, allied to flashes of ability, have been enough to see him get a place in a Premier League team. King has always been about pace, the kind of pace that leaves even quick defenders trailing in his wake, but with little thought to its use. Usually playing as a striker, his pace could be devastating, especially against a team utilising a high line, but he would often be too quick to make the best use of the ball when a chance came his way.



Last season, Eddie Howe at the Cherries used him a lot on the wing and behind a main striker, and he seemed to learn a lot about runs, when and where to run. King's game improved markedly in that respect over the season. However that was not the difference which turned him from a striker who fluffed his lines so often when chances arrived. Last season there was more thought behind his play, King did not just rely on his pace and try to do it all at a sprint. He learnt to just take his foot off the pedal once in and control his shot, which led, in large part, to his improvement.



Next season will be a big test of his improvement, as defenders will not be as willing to take a chance on giving him space, unlike in the past. Teams would often play a high line, risking giving him space, because he was such a poor finisher. That is unlikely to happen next season after his 16 goals in the 16/17 season.