HEAD coach Jonathan Woodgate said Rodrigo Riquelme will be “learning day in, day out” as part of Cherries’ squad and “should be proud of himself” for taking on the challenge of playing in England.

The 20-year-old put pen to paper on a season-long loan move from Atletico Madrid back in October, with the option for Cherries to make the switch permanent.

Winger Riquelme has made 14 appearances in all competitions for Cherries this season, scoring in games against Derby and Oldham.

But the Madrid-born star is yet to play a minute under new head coach Woodgate.

His most recent appearance came as a substitute in a 2-1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday - Jason Tindall’s final game as manager of the Dorset outfit.

Riquelme has been an unused substitute in Cherries’ past six Championship games and, despite seeing his match time limited, Woodgate said the youngster had been “really good on the training pitch”.

Speaking about Riquelme to the Daily Echo, Woodgate said: “He’s only young. I spoke to Roro in Spanish because I’m trying to improve on my Spanish skills.

“I just had a detailed conversation with him. It’s difficult at the minute because I haven’t seen a lot of him.

“That’s difficult. What I will say about him is he’s training really well. He’s looking good in training and he’s working as hard as he can.

“When he gets his opportunity, he’s got to take it. No complaints with his attitude or anything, he’s been really good on the training pitch.”

Riquelme had been training with fellow Championship side Reading before being snapped up by Cherries this campaign.

And Woodgate, who went the other way in moving from England to play for Real Madrid in Spain during his playing career, said the experience of working abroad would make Riquelme stronger.

“He should be proud of himself,” said the Cherries boss.

“I wish more English players did that the other way and go and play in Spain.

“Okay some of them go to Germany but there’s not many who really go to Spain or Italy. I think it’s the best thing for him (Riquelme).

“It’s going to take him outside his comfort zone – and he’s right outside his comfort zone now at Bournemouth in the Championship.

“Okay he’s not playing but, in future, it’s going to make him a stronger character. He’s in a difficult situation at the minute, not playing.

“But he’ll be learning day in, day out and when he gets his opportunities, he has to take it.”