BOSS Eddie Howe believes winger Ryan Fraser is “entering his prime” after becoming one of the most creative players in the top flight.

Nobody in the Premier League has set up more goals than the 24-year-old this season.

He tops the division’s assist rankings with five, alongside Manchester City’s Benjamin Mendy and Raheem Sterling.

Scotland star Fraser has created goals against West Ham, Leicester and Watford, as well as recording a pair of assists during the Dorset club’s 3-0 victory over Fulham.

Add in four goals in all competitions this season, as well as another assist against MK Dons in the Carabao Cup – Howe is delighted to see the influential wide man hitting top gear.

The Cherries manager told the Daily Echo: “Ryan is coming to the age in his game where he is now not viewed as a young potential player.

“He is entering his prime. We are now seeing a player who is able to make the right call at the right time.

“All aspects of his game have improved this season. He has been scoring goals – which has been great to see – and creating goals.

“I think Ryan had always been a goal creator. Even from the early times when he joined you could see he had really good product.

“He had an excellent final ball and an excellent brain to see passes – highlighted by two great assists against Fulham.

“I think it’s a case of general improvement, learning and then having the composure to go out and deliver it.”

Signed from Aberdeen for £400,000 in January 2013, Fraser has been with Cherries since Howe’s men were in League One.

He has since gone on to make 147 appearances for the Dorset club and scored 19 goals.

One man desperate to keep Fraser in the fold is centre-half Steve Cook, Cherries’ record Premier League appearance maker.

Asked how much Fraser would now be worth, he said: “I wouldn’t want to put a price on him. He is probably priceless.

“He is one of the few players we cannot afford to lose – maybe I should cut back on my praise for him because I don’t think he is going unnoticed now.

“He is a real gem of a player for us and I am really happy for him because he deserves everything he is getting right now.

“He is scoring goals, setting up goals and doing everything. He works extremely hard and I think gone are the days when a Bournemouth player is sneaking under the radar.”

Fraser is set to be involved when Cherries make the trip to Newcastle United on Saturday (3pm). He started when the sides drew 2-2 at Vitality Stadium in February.