AFC Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has heaped reward on defender James Hill, calling him a real “coach’s dream” due to his angle, work price, and professionalism.
In a video shared on Bournemouth’s official X account, Iraola revealed that even when Hill wasn’t beginning, he advised the defender he would “renew him for 10 seasons” due to the standard he brings each single day in coaching.
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For Iraola, gamers like Hill set the usual on powerful days, particularly throughout restoration classes after matches the moments that always present a participant’s true character.
Hill’s journey hasn’t been simple. After battling accidents and spending time on mortgage at Blackburn Rovers, he’s fought his approach again into the primary workforce.
This season, he’s been rewarded with common minutes, even chipping in with an help within the 1–1 draw in opposition to Aston Villa on February 7, 2026. Whereas Iraola joked about protecting him perpetually, Hill’s future is already safe he signed a brand new deal in September 2025 that runs till June 2029.
Bournemouth have additionally moved neatly within the switch market. The membership has now accomplished the everlasting signing of Alex Jiménez from AC Milan after an obligation-to-buy clause was triggered. The 20 12 months previous has dedicated his future to the Cherries till 2031, and he’s already grow to be an everyday in Iraola’s again line.
All of this comes on the again of a memorable second in Bournemouth’s season. As Softfootball reported, the Cherries surprised Liverpool with a dramatic 3–2 win in January, sealed by a last-gasp aim from Amine Adli. Hill and Jiménez each performed key roles in that well-known night time, underlining why Iraola values their reliability and mentality so extremely.
