AFC Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has heaped praise on defender James Hill, calling him a true “coach’s dream” because of his attitude, work rate, and professionalism.
In a video shared on Bournemouth’s official X account, Iraola revealed that even when Hill wasn’t starting, he told the defender he would “renew him for 10 seasons” because of the quality he brings every single day in training.
Watch video below;
For Iraola, players like Hill set the standard on tough days, especially during recovery sessions after matches the moments that often show a player’s true character.
Hill’s journey hasn’t been straightforward. After battling injuries and spending time on loan at Blackburn Rovers, he’s fought his way back into the first team.
This season, he’s been rewarded with regular minutes, even chipping in with an assist in the 1–1 draw against Aston Villa on February 7, 2026. While Iraola joked about keeping him forever, Hill’s future is already secure he signed a new deal in September 2025 that runs until June 2029.
Bournemouth have also moved smartly in the transfer market. The club has now completed the permanent signing of Alex Jiménez from AC Milan after an obligation-to-buy clause was triggered. The 20 year old has committed his future to the Cherries until 2031, and he’s already become a regular in Iraola’s back line.
All of this comes on the back of a memorable moment in Bournemouth’s season. As Softfootball reported, the Cherries stunned Liverpool with a dramatic 3–2 win in January, sealed by a last-gasp goal from Amine Adli. Hill and Jiménez both played key roles in that famous night, underlining why Iraola values their reliability and mentality so highly.
