CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe admits the numbers add up for Jordon Ibe.

Former Liverpool star Ibe made a big-money move to Cherries in the summer of 2016 but described as "very poor" his first season in Dorset, the winger making just 13 Premier League starts and failing to complete a full game in the top flight.

However, the 22-year-old has made 18 starts in 27 league appearances this campaign and leads the Dorset club's assist rankings, while he found the net in victories over Arsenal and West Brom, the latter last time out.

Reflecting on Ibe's form, Howe said: "Jordon is in a good place. His numbers this season have been good. He has got on the scoresheet a couple of times in big games.

"His assist numbers have been very high. He is producing the numbers and has shown his promise of last season has developed further.

"I think if he continues to develop in the future, we will have a very good player on our hands."

Ibe has six assists to his name in the Premier League, with Andrew Surman just behind him on four. Joshua King and Adam Smith have three apiece.

Only eight Cherries players have played more minutes in the league than Ibe this season.