Does this Bournemouth goalkeeper deserve a new contract?

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Being the goalkeeper for a struggling Premier League club is an unenviable task. Under the full media glare, there is no hiding place for the last line of defence. Good performances are often trivialised (after all, keepers do get paid not to concede goals), whereas mistakes can have massive consequences. Artur Boruc has certainly triggered a range of emotions within Bournemouth supporters during a campaign that ultimately achieved its primary objective of survival. But at 36 years of age, could he have played his last game in Cherries colours?

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Boruc had been one of the key men behind the club’s unexpected promotion to the Premier League. He initially joined on loan from Southampton in October 2014, but such was his impact that manager Eddie Howe had no hesitation in extending the deal to the end of the season. As a Polish international with more than 50 caps, Boruc’s pedigree was strong. He was the keeper Howe had been looking for; commanding, vocal and capable of producing game-changing moments. With a settled back four in front of him, the former Celtic star helped Bournemouth land the Championship title with the second-best defensive record in the division. It was no surprise when he became Howe’s first signing upon clinching promotion when his contract at Southampton expired.

Arguably, no player finds the transition from the Championship to the Premier League more challenging than the goalkeeper. Having been a relative spectator in a dominant team, to be constantly in the thick of the action must be a culture shock. Like the rest of the squad, Boruc initially found life difficult. He was at fault for the equaliser in October’s 1-1 draw against Watford and had a complete nightmare in the 5-1 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur, where he was culpable for three goals. Hampered by a knee injury and out of form, he lost his place to Adam Federici.

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Boruc seemed to be set for an extended spell on the sidelines, but a surprise return to the starting XI against Chelsea last December coincided with a run of three successive victories that completely transformed Bournemouth’s season. He kept a clean sheet in the stunning 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge and followed it up with impressive displays against Manchester United and West Bromwich Albion. Gone was the tentative keeper who had looked totally bereft of confidence and had clashed with a section of fans. The dominant force that had made the position his own the previous season was back in business.

That’s not to say it’s been plain sailing since he regained his place in the team. Boruc has still been prone to the occasional mishap, most notably during the club’s final home game of the season against West Brom. An errant kick, after a sloppy exchange of passes with Andrew Surman, led to the visitors scoring against the run of play. It was a needless goal to concede, but in many ways, it reflected his career as a whole. For all the sublime moments Boruc has produced, there has been the odd ridiculous one, too.

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The goalkeeping position is one that could undergo a radical change this summer. When, to some surprise, Federici joined from Reading a year ago, Howe made it clear the number one jersey was up for grabs. Boruc earned it and the Australian has had to be content with playing second fiddle for much of the campaign. But the Pole’s absence from the final game of the season at Manchester United has raised questions about his future. Rumours persist that he may retire after the European Championships, even though he has activated a clause in his contract that entitles him to a one-year extension. Despite his advancing years, Boruc clearly still has something to offer. Howe would be wise to persuade him to stay.

Featured Image – All Rights Reserved by Kieran Clarke.