Chelsea could make a move for Bournemouth midfielder Lewis Cook, who has been with the Premier League side since 2016, after joining them from Leeds United. The Englishman suffered a knee injury last season, which ruled him out for quite a while.
As per Daily Mail, Frank Lampard’s Chelsea are one of a few big names in the Premier League that are watching Cook closely, the other being European champions Liverpool.
The report states that both clubs could pursue a deal for the 22-year-old if he can remain fit and show the form that he displayed prior to his injury.
The midfielder came through the ranks at Leeds United, debuting at the age of 17 before making 85 appearances for the club. Bournemouth signed him in 2016 for £7 million and he has since made 56 appearances in all competitions.
Cook’s current contract with the club expires in 2022, having signed a new contract last year.
Would Lewis Cook fit Lampard’s blueprint?
Cook is an all-action midfielder who likes to move the ball forward with his swift dribbling, while being a neat passer of the ball. The 22-year-old is calm on the ball and is unfazed by opposition players around him.
He has the vision to pick out teammates ahead of him, often playing through balls and aerial balls to forwards. Last season, Cook averaged 1.8 long balls per game in the league and an average of 30.2 passes per game.
Cook could not showcase his talent and be consistent last season due to the knee injury which resulted in him playing just 13 games in the league.
The Englishman is a technically sound player who can also contribute in defence, often tracking back to stop opposition midfielders running past him and blocking crosses and passes.
Lampard currently has quite a few options in central midfield with the passing range of Jorginho and the industry of N’Golo Kante, as well as other options like the ever-improving Mateo Kovačić, and Ross Barkley.
Cook could be one for the future at Chelsea as he has the work-rated, technical ability and determination to play at a top club like Chelsea, but it remains to be seen if he can get back to his best post his return from injury. Chelsea should make a move for him only after Cook consistently plays well and shows that he is fit.