IT IS natural for people to want to improve themselves in their place of work – especially when you have put years into making it as a Premier League footballer.

But when all of your attributes are also rated and judged by millions in a virtual world, it must be surreal to switch on the PlayStation after real-life training and see how you compare to those around you.

That is exactly what Cherries loan star Harry Wilson has done following the launch of FIFA 20 by EA Sports last week.

The talented winger has been busy building his ‘Ultimate Team’ in which players across the globe are put into his virtual club to play online against other gamers.

“I am big into the PlayStation. I play FIFA and other games,” said the 22-year-old, who has settled in the area after agreeing a year-long move from Anfield.

“I have been on that this week starting up my Ultimate Team, it’s been good.

“It’s something I enjoy doing of a night-time or in the afternoon when you have a bit of downtime.

“Everyone tries out as themselves but I think everyone has their team on it, who you are good with. If you are playing against a mate, that’s who you play with.

“I wouldn’t say I play as myself regularly.”

On the latest edition of the game, Wilson is rated at 75 – the same as team-mates Simon Francis, Andrew Surman, Artur Boruc, Dan Gosling and Junior Stanislas.

Ryan Fraser has been judged Cherries’ highest rated squad member with 81, one ahead of Callum Wilson and Nathan Ake.

Cherries’ first-choice stopper Aaron Ramsdale, who has been ever-present in the top flight this season, is somehow all the way down at 68.

So what does Harry Wilson make of his rating? Which could improve if he continues to dazzle on the pitch for Cherries in real life.

“It’s up to FIFA isn’t it, but I’d like it a lot higher,” said Wilson, whose free-kick accuracy is unsurprisingly one of his best FIFA attrivbutes.

“I think everyone wants their card to be better. I haven’t actually looked closely at my stats yet but 75 as a whole, I’d like it to be higher.

“I think it’s a bit harsh on Rammers, especially the way he has started the season.

“Hopefully throughout the season I can get a few in-form cards to make my rating go up.”

Three goals in six Premier League games has seen the Wrexham-born playmaker get off to an electric start at England’s elite level.

And he remains thankful to Cherries for allowing him to showcase his exciting ability.

“I feel I have settled in well. The club have been great with that,” he added.

“The coaching staff and the players have really helped.

“When I first moved here, I was in the hotel and that was near the beach, so I had a good few walks down there which was good.

“I’ve got to know the area, so I am enjoying it.”

He added: “It was what I wanted at the beginning of the season. I wanted to be playing Premier League football and I am thankful to Bournemouth for giving me that opportunity.

“I am just trying to take it in my stride and get better every week.”

One man who could provide Harry Wilson with added competition for a starting spot is his Wales team-mate David Brooks, who is set to return from an ankle ligament injury following the international break.

And with Arnaut Danjuma also back in action, the former Derby star believes the depth in Eddie Howe’s squad is positive.

He added: “It’s healthy competition when you are training and playing against good players, it’s good for yourself.

“I’ve got the shirt at the minute, so it’s up to me to keep it.

“When Brooksy comes back it will be great for the team because everyone knows what a great player he is.

“I feel we have great competition all over the pitch.

“To be in the team, it’s great and it’s up to me to put in the performances to make sure I stay in there.”