Benik Afobe: The Bournemouth perspective on his return to Wolves

The Wolves fans sang his name throughout the game and the 24-year-old almost capped his second debut with a goal.

Following his loan move from Bournemouth, Luke Hatfield spoke with Peter Bell, author at Cherry Chimes, to find out why things didn't work out for Afobe at the Premier League club.

Why have Bournemouth let Afobe head out on loan? Has he not had the impact he'd hoped for since joining?

I am not sure that Eddie Howe was that keen on letting him go out on loan, as he has always said Benik is part of his plans, but from the players point of view you can see why it has happened.

He has only been getting the odd game at Bournemouth and it has become apparent that not only Callum Wilson and Josh King are ahead of him, but also Lys Mousset.

When Jemain Defoe comes back from injury he would also be in front of Benik.

It's clear that Benik has been out of form, and while he started well when he first joined he has rapidly plateaued.

He just didn't get on a good run of games for long enough. He had some good moments, at the end of last season, when playing with Josh King but you have to be consistent in the Premier League.

What he does do well, which is often underrated, is clear headed balls from Bournemouth's own box from corners.

Bournemouth are not a big team and we'll miss that help when trying to cling on to leads at the end of games.

What do you make of him in Bournemouth colours – at Wolves he was hailed as a prolific striker?

It takes players a while to get to understand the way Bournemouth play in their combination of players and how they work through the thirds from the back.

I think Benik will benefit from playing in teams that are more direct. He prefers to play through the middle and does not run the channels so well.

He's not a player that will beat three for four players and find the top corner, but give him lots of service and instant crosses at his feet 10 yards out and he'll do the business.

His work rate is simply not high enough for the way Bournemouth build play and work to create space for attackers.

He's a nice guy, but I don't think he can adapt his game enough to be what Eddie Howe really wants from him.

The deal went down very late due to Bournemouth's desire to add an obligation to buy Afobe in any deal, something that wasn't included - do you think there's any chance he heads back into the first team at Bournemouth if he does well with Wolves?

I think all options are still open for Benik on the summer.

If he decides he would like a move, I don't expect AFC Bournemouth to make him run his contract out, but there has to be interest from elsewhere to get him that move and it's up to Benik to play well.

If he doesn't start hitting the back of the net, he could well find himself back at Bournemouth and still out of favour!

£10m is the fee being reported that Bournemouth are seeking for Afobe. Do you think the Cherries will be able to command that kind of fee for him?

It's hard to know what the market now values him at.

If he goes and score 12 goals or more for Wolves he is suddenly a striker that might interest a few clubs.

At the moment, I am sure Wolves are thinking we can pick him up at a bargain price in the summer - perhaps £7m and they might test the water with that.

I find it hard to see how Bournemouth can say they have added value to his price, apart from the fact that he does now have some Premier League experience. So, I expect a price of between £7m-10m is fair.

Bournemouth should not need to worry about a couple of million one side or another of £10m if they have their eye on a replacement who they think will do better.

How have the fans taken to Afobe? Was he well liked at the Vitality?

Bournemouth fans would probably suggest it is best if Benik does move on in the summer.

He was an exciting player when he first came scoring a few goals in his first handful of matches, but that bond with the fans has been turning into frustration with him.

It has probably made his first touch worse and the ball just doesn't stick with him.

I am sure if someone is willing to meet the asking price, Benik will move on and I think Bournemouth fans would wish him all the best.

Do you think this is a good move for him?

Benik will be going to a familiar ground and will play in front of fans who love him for what he did for Wolves in the past.

I just hope the club has not moved on too much for him and that he fits in with the players okay, as they have done extremely well so far this season.

He can't expect any favours and I think a fresh challenge to try and force his way into the Wolves starting eleven is just what he needs.

There is pressure in joining a club at the top of the Championship table, but if he becomes accustomed to celebrating goals again it could do him a lot of good.

Are you disappointed to see Afobe sent out on loan, or is the general consensus between fans that it was probably right for him to go?

I don't think there is any discontent that Benik has gone out on loan but it does leave Bournemouth a little short up front if there are further injuries.

I believe Bournemouth were happy for Benik to play in the Championship, but not for another team in the Premier League.

He's had his chances at Bournemouth and a change of scenery where he has done well before should help him to fall back in love with football, because I do think he has lost his zest for the game at Bournemouth.

You can follow Peter on Twitter @CherryChimes