Justin Kluivert

Key strength: Vision and passing

Creative playmaker

AFC Bournemouth find themselves in an unusual rut—five consecutive draws leaving them stuck in 10th place, unable to tip the scales in either direction. Yet within this stalemate streak lies a subplot of quiet resurgence: Justin Kluivert, the 26-year-old Dutch playmaker carving his own path out of his legendary father Patrick's shadow. With 2 goals and 1 assist from 19 appearances this season, Kluivert's numbers may seem modest, but his 988 minutes tell a story of efficiency and tactical discipline under Andoni Iraola. Operating primarily as a creative hub linking Bournemouth's midfield to their attack, he combines his 70-rated passing vision with clever movement between the lines—complementing the higher-rated Marcus Tavernier while offering Iraola flexibility across multiple attacking roles. His €32 million market valuation reflects a player maturing into his prime, no longer the raw prospect who departed Ajax for Roma at 19. As Bournemouth seek to break their drawing habit and push toward the top half, Kluivert's ability to unlock compact defenses with incisive passing and intelligent positioning could prove the difference. The Cherries' creative engine is warming up—and Kluivert holds the keys.