‘Callum’s a really, really positive guy’ – Howe senses striker is ready to end his dry spell ahead of City clash
Callum Wilson holds off pressure from Norwich defender Max Aarons during Bournemouth's 0-0 home draw in October Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Eddie Howe doesn’t feel striker Callum Wilson is struggling for confidence, as he heads to Norwich City on Saturday looking to end a Premier League barren streak stretching back to September.
The England international has not only failed to score in the league since a 2-2 home draw with West Ham but has only registered one shot on target in the 14 games since then.
That included a 0-0 draw with Norwich, although he did come on as a substitute and score during a 4-0 home win over Championship side Luton in the FA Cup third round recently.
"Callum's a really, really positive guy," Cherries boss Eddie Howe said of his striker, who has scored 64 goals in 172 games since joining from Coventry in 2014. "He has an incredible mentality, I've always said that.
"When you go into a room and Callum's in there, you hear him and you usually hear him laughing. He's got a very distinctive laugh and he's that kind of character.
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"Have I noticed a change? No. He's still been that bubbly guy that we need him to be. But I know he's hurt that he hasn't scored because he lives for scoring goals, always has done.
"I know there's that feeling there, but he hasn't let it show and that's credit to him."
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Wilson had scored five goals before his drought began and enjoyed a superb 2018-19 season in the Premier League, with 14 goals and 10 assists from 30 games.
That season finished in 14th place for Howe's team and a fifth consecutive season in the top flight. However, nine defeats in 11 games and a 3-0 loss at Watford leaves the Cherries in the relegation zone ahead of their trip to rock-bottom Norwich on Saturday.
Speaking to the Bournemouth Daily Echo, Howe continued: "Callum has to take responsibility for his performances. It will be the same for any player, if you're not getting what you want from the match and the first thing you do is criticise the team, then you're not going to solve the problem.
"Ultimately you have the power to change that yourself. So first and foremost you have to look at yourself and then secondly I'm well aware the team hasn't created as many chances as we have historically and know we can do.
"We haven't attacked with the usual verve and rhythm that we have had in previous seasons so I'm aware that is always a reason.
"There are two sides to look at it and I'd be very careful before blaming one or the other. It's always a combination of the two."
