"I love him. He's got everything that a midfielder should have playing in the Premier League. I love his game."
Those were the words of Premier League winner Micah Richards, praising the latest impressive Alex Scott performance on Sunday's Match of the Day.
The 22-year-old has featured in every one of Bournemouth's 35 matches this season – starting 32 times – operating in deep midfield, central midfield, and, at times, attacking midfield.
Against Crystal Palace on Sunday he once again thrived as part of a pair at the base of midfield with Tyler Adams, behind the attacking quartet of Junior Kroupi, Marcus Tavernier, Rayan and Evanilson.
Only central defenders James Hill and Marco Senesi, so key in how Bournemouth build from the back, had more than Scott's 69 touches against the Eagles, while only Senesi made more than his 43 passes.
The touch maps below illustrate his impact all across the pitch and show the variety of passes he completed and balance between progressing and retaining possession.
It is testament to Scott and his teammates that they continue to shine after losing so many key figures.
Much was made about the loss of Antoine Semenyo in January and how that could derail the Cherries' season. They are unbeaten since his exit.
The January addition of Rayan has been almost a seamless transition, while the emergence of Junior Kroupi has eased much of the goalscoring burden.
Despite a churn of players and recognition that those who perform well will likely be moved on for profit, the trust in the recruitment process and stable environment around the club allows those already at the club time and space to find their feet.
Scott endured a challenging first season at Bournemouth after signing from Bristol City in the summer of 2024, interrupted by a meniscus tear, but has kicked on in his second campaign to become a pivotal figure in the squad and put himself on the brink of a call-up to Thomas Tuchel's England World Cup squad.
"He's having a brilliant season and standing out in every game. Superb," said Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer, also on Match of the Day.
Scott has played the fourth-most minutes in the Bournemouth squad, leads the way in possession won (176), and is only behind the aforementioned impressive Senesi in passes into the final third (177).
"He's my wildcard for the World Cup," added Richards.
"He takes a good set-piece but it's his calmness on the ball. He can pass well and receive the ball between the lines.
"A lot of midfielders hide and don't want the ball but he's brave on it. He keeps it moving.
"Every time I watch him, he's so confident on the ball."
