AFC Bournemouth has capped off an impressive December by earning three nominations for the Premier League’s monthly awards. Manager Andoni Iraola, defender Dean Huijsen, and forward Enes Ünal have been recognised for their stellar contributions during a month that saw the Cherries rise to seventh in the league table at the halfway stage of the season.
Andoni Iraola: Manager of the Month Nominee
Andoni Iraola has guided Bournemouth to a December to remember, with his side remaining unbeaten across six matches. The Cherries recorded three wins and three draws, a run of form that propelled them into the top seven by the end of 2024. The 41-year-old’s tactical acumen has transformed Bournemouth into a resilient and dynamic outfit, earning him a spot alongside Nottingham Forest’s Nuno Espírito Santo, Newcastle’s Eddie Howe, and Liverpool’s Arne Slot in the Manager of the Month category.
Dean Huijsen: Player of the Month Nominee
At just 19 years old, centre-back Dean Huijsen has been a revelation for Bournemouth, displaying remarkable composure and maturity beyond his years. Huijsen was a key figure in Bournemouth’s defensive solidity, with the team conceding just five goals in six games. Not only was he a rock at the back, but his aerial prowess also proved decisive. He scored crucial headed goals in the 1-0 victory over Tottenham and the 3-0 triumph at Old Trafford against Manchester United. His performances have earned him a place among top players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Morgan Gibbs-White in the Player of the Month nominations.
Enes Ünal: Goal of the Month Nominee
Enes Ünal’s stunning equaliser against West Ham has been nominated for Goal of the Month. After the Cherries were on the wrong end of a controversial penalty decision, Ünal stepped up to level the score with a sensational 30-yard free-kick. His strike is up against other brilliant efforts, including Alexander Isak’s goal for Newcastle against Liverpool and Tariq Lamptey’s strikes for Brighton against Leicester and Aston Villa.
How to Vote
Fans can show their support for the Cherries by voting for the nominees on the Premier League website using the links below. Voting closes on Monday, January 6, at 12pm GMT.
AFC Bournemouth fans will undoubtedly take pride in the club’s recognition on the national stage, as the team continues to build on a strong first half of the season. Could December’s nominations be the start of something even bigger for the Cherries in 2025? Stay tuned.
Manager of the Month
https://www.premierleague.com/awards/manager-of-the-month/2024-25/december
Player of the Month
Goal of the Month
https://www.premierleague.com/awards/goal-of-the-month/2024-25/december
