FORMER Premier League champion Micah Richards heaped praise on Cherries’ opening day performance against West Ham United, insisting: “I was impressed with everything that they did.”

Dominic Solanke’s goal secured a 1-1 draw with the Hammers at Vitality Stadium, Jarrod Bowen having given the Europa Conference League holders the lead.

And Richards, who won the top flight with Manchester City in the 2011-12 campaign, was impressed with what he saw from Andoni Iraola’s side.

Bournemouth Echo: Pictures from Cherries' 1-1 draw with West Ham

Speaking in his role as a pundit on BBC’s Match of the Day, Richards said: “It’s only one game, so we’re only comparing it to that. But from this season to last season, the passes in the final third (on average per game) is the key one for me (100 to 154).

“I’ve seen that in their play (on Saturday). More on the front foot, just a bit more fluid. They were buzzing around.

“(Joe) Rothwell, I was really impressed with him in the centre of that midfield, really controlled some of the play when they were going forward. (David) Brooks, excellent as well.

“But the main man for this team was Solanke. When Solanke plays well, they just become something different.

“He was holding up the ball, he was running in behind, he was laying off the ball at the right times.

“Running in behind, as a centre-half that’s the worst thing you want. You want everything in front of you. When someone is running behind you, it is so difficult.”

The 35-year-old added: “Every time the ball came back, it was always like they were getting the second balls because of this new system, being on that front foot.

“(Milos) Kerkez as well had a really good game down that side. Not afraid to go forward. Having that bravery to do that with the confidence as well.

“So many players sometimes play within themselves, but they were playing with freedom. There were combinations, absolutely everything. I was impressed with everything that they did.

“They got a bit lucky (with the goal), but look how alive Solanke is in the box. Lovely touch around the keeper and a lovely finish.”