CHERRIES head coach Andoni Iraola does not believe he has improved Dominic Solanke, stating: “He is the same player.”

Solanke is currently enjoying his best season as a Premier League footballer, with 14 goals in 24 top-flight appearances under Iraola.

The former Liverpool and Chelsea frontman is set to make his 100th Prem appearance for Cherries when they face Manchester City this weekend (5.30pm).

In two-and-a-half seasons in the Premier League with Cherries, Solanke had previously notched nine goals in 75 appearances.

Whilst Solanke’s increased returns in front of goal have coincided with Iraola’s appointment as head coach at Vitality Stadium, the Basque boss was not taking any credit.

He explained: “I think he's a very good player and he was a very good player the first day we came here.

“I don't think we have improved him. He is the same player.

“The only thing is probably he suits very well to our system.

“We have made him play a little bit higher and he's now with confidence and he's scoring goals.

“He's in a really good form and I'm happy that he's receiving this recognition because he deserves it.”

Iraola went on to state how well-respected the one-time England international was in the Cherries dressing room.

“I think everyone here valued them a lot,” he restarted.

“You can feel it as soon as you start training with the team. Normally, your teammates are a good measure, and they respect him a lot.

“Everyone loves him because he has the level, also he has the humility.

“He works hard for the team.

“Especially for a number nine that is normally valued because of the goals, this is very valuable.

“He doesn't speak too much, but I would say whenever he says something, everyone listens.

“That, I think, is normally a good sign.”