Scott Parker backing Bournemouth new-boy Marcos Senesi to be a big hit
Senesi completed his switch from Dutch club Feyenoord and could make his debut against Manchester City.
Bournemouth head coach Scott Parker is confident “aggressive” Argentina defender Marcos Senesi can help keep his squad on the front foot in their battle for Premier League survival.
Senesi completed his switch from Dutch club Feyenoord in a reported £12.6million deal earlier this week and could be in contention to make his debut in Saturday’s trip to champions Manchester City.
The 25-year-old is the fifth summer recruit to bolster Parker’s options, and the centre-half will offer some extra defensive options, with midfielder Jefferson Lerma having been deployed in a makeshift back three for the win over Aston Villa.
“I’m pleased we’ve managed to get Marcos in, a player we’ve had our eye on,” Parker said. “He is a South American defender because he is an aggressive, front-foot defender.
“He has come off a bit of a slow week, in terms of last week, because of the transfer, and we have progressed him slowly this week.
“We don’t want to rush him in, but he will surely be involved.”
Experienced goalkeeper Neto has just arrived from Barcelona, and Parker accepts it will take time for players to adapt to their new surroundings.
“It is difficult when you come in from different countries, environments, cultures,” the Bournemouth boss said at a press conference.
“I am very conscious of how players settle in, and sometimes it can be pretty daunting.
“I think this is quite an easy environment to enter, a young squad, and both boys seem to have hit the ground running.”
Fellow recruits defender Ryan Fredericks (calf) and midfielder Joe Rothwell (quad) will both have to wait a while longer to get their first taste of Premier League action with the Cherries.
“Ryan’s come on a little bit, he’s out on the grass with us, and he’s pushing ahead in the right direction,” Parker said.
“He is probably a few weeks away from fully integrating into training.
“Joe is a little bit behind that and is still not out on the grass at this time.
“He is progressing the right way, but given his injury, this is where he is currently.”