Andoni Iraola reveals Rayan could start against Wolves

New signing, Rayan, from Brazil, could be fit to start as the Cherries make the trip to Wolves.

The 19-year-old forward joined the side from CR Vasco da Gama for a fee of around £25m early this week.

Iraola said: “He’s ready for tomorrow, he will be a good help.”

He added: “I think he could start, it’s a decision I have to make, but we also have to be careful with him.”

 

Rayan becomes the third Brazilian to play for Bournemouth after former goalkeeper Norberto Neto and current striker Evailson.

Iraola said: “Obviously he doesn’t speak the language but I think Eva (Evanilson) has been a very good help for him in the first days and he will slowly, slowly take also the language like Evanilson is doing now.”

 

 

The Cherries also announced the signing of Greek goalkeeper Christos Mandas this week too, from Italian side Lazio.

Iraola said: “Christos is a player that we were following also before, especially Tiago (Managing Director Professional Football) knows him very well from the Italian league and I think he’s a different type of keeper than the ones we’ve got.”

“He has played it at a very high level, obviously in Serie A, also some with the national team and I think it reinforces our goalkeeping position.”

AFC Bournemouth come into this game unbeaten in their last four games, winning at home against current Premier League holders Liverpool 3-2 last weekend.

This away trip marks Iraola’s 100th game in charge in the Premier League and he’s hoping his side can get a win.

He said: “Yes, it’s good to know. These 100 games in the Premier League is almost three seasons, so two and a half, and a little bit more. I’m very happy, very happy, and I hope we can play more.”

The squad are still without the injured Marcus Tavernier and David Brooks for the fixture, so could turn their attention to new boy, Rayan.

 

Wolves have picked up form since the turn of the new year, having only lost one of their last six games.

Iraola said: “It’s not the best moment to face Wolves right now, I think they’ve been really, really good. Last games, last two home games, they have two clean sheets, West Ham, Newcastle, just one loss in six and even the loss against City. They played really well.”

The game kicks off at the Molineux Stadium at 3 pm tomorrow, and a win would see the Cherries continue their push up the table.