Ryan Christie, known for his goal-scoring and attacking playmaking abilities, has experienced a significant improvement in his game since the arrival of Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth. The Spanish coach swiftly implemented his playing style at the Vitality Stadium, resulting in a positive impact. After 25 matches under Iraola’s guidance, Bournemouth currently sits comfortably in 14th place in the Premier League, enjoying an eight-point lead over the relegation zone. Previously, under the management of Scott Parker and Gary O’Neill, the 29-year-old Christie predominantly played as a natural number 10 or as an inverted winger, operating from the flanks.
However, with the tactical adjustment made by Iraola, Christie has been deployed in a more defensive role as a hard-tackling and energetic central midfielder. This positional shift has allowed him to completely transform his game, as supported by the statistics. In his previous clubs Celtic, Inverness, and Aberdeen, Christie has demonstrated his adaptability and growth since embracing this new role.
According to analysis conducted by Sky Sports, Ryan Christie stands out in the English Premier League for his defensive contributions in the middle third of the pitch. He ranks second in the league for the highest number of possessions won in this area, with a total of 90. This places him just eight possessions behind Christian Norgaard of Brentford. Notably, Christie surpasses renowned players such as Rodri from Manchester City, with a difference of four possessions, and Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle, who has 80 possessions won.
Furthermore, Christie’s impact extends beyond his defensive prowess. His manager has lauded him as the most tactically astute player in the squad. He also ranks third in the league for the highest number of total pressures applied on opposition players, with a remarkable tally of 1,542. In addition, he stands fourth in the charts for the most passes exerted pressure on, with 1,232 instances.
John Hughes, who coached Christie during their time together at Inverness from 2013 to 2015, expresses his excitement at witnessing his former protégé excel in the highly-watched Premier League. Christie played a significant role in Inverness’ memorable Scottish Cup triumph in 2015, and Hughes’ admiration for his progress in one of the world’s most prestigious leagues is palpable.
In an interview with Sky Sports, John Hughes spoke highly of Ryan Christie, praising his versatility and unique skills on the pitch. Hughes emphasized that Christie possesses the ability to excel in any position. He described him as a maverick, highlighting his impressive repertoire of no-look passes, reverse passes, and nutmegs. Unlike some attacking midfielders who tend to stay forward and be less involved in defensive duties, Hughes commended Christie for his willingness to drop back into left midfield and contribute to the team’s efforts throughout the game. Hughes also noted that Christie carries out his responsibilities with a positive attitude and genuine enjoyment for the game.
The former coach expressed his ongoing connection with Christie, stating that he stays in touch with him. He expressed his delight at seeing how Christie’s career has progressed and the opportunity he had to work with him. Hughes acknowledged that leaving Celtic was a significant decision for Christie, but he is thrilled to see him thriving in the Premier League and representing Scotland at an international level.
