Eddie Howe says his midfield is starting to have a "good look" about it as the season settles down. The absence of Jonjo Shelvey in the first six or seven games was there for all to see as Howe turned to Bruno Guimaraes to provide balance in the engine room.
But with Shelvey due back he may have a fight on his hands with Bruno, Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock coming into their best form.
All three shone at Fulham in a 4-1 win with Willock grabbing two assists, Bruno teeing up Miguel Almiron for a wonder goal and Sean Longstaff getting on the scoresheet.
Howe said: "The midfield had a good look about it. I thought Joe performed really well, Bruno was pivotal to everything we did.
"I think Sean’s got a really nice way of linking play, being creative – and also being a goal threat. He’s done that most of career. He’s scored long-range goals. Fulham was more of a poacher’s goal for him, but he’s been excellent for me."
Longstaff's goal was his first under Howe and his first since the takeover went through last year.
Howe said: "He’s never let me down. He’s come in, and put in a really good performance. He’s really knocking on the door to start, which is a great thing for the group."
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