AFC Bournemouth
AFC Bournemouth star Lewis Cook is looking forward to a reunion with Diego Rico and relishing pitting his wits against midfield maestro David Silva.
Former Cherries defender Rico and Spain and Manchester City legend Silva are expected to feature for Real Sociedad in a pre-season friendly at Vitality Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
Rico, a popular figure during his three-year stay in Dorset, joined the La Liga outfit in July 2021 having made 83 appearances for the Cherries, the left-back often lining up alongside Cook.
Gifted playmaker Silva returned to his homeland in 2020 after winning no fewer than 11 major trophies – including four Premier League titles – during a glittering ten-year spell with City.
Both Rico and Silva, who has a statue at the Etihad Stadium, featured prominently as Sociedad finished sixth in La Liga last season to secure a place in the Europa League.
Cook admits he is enjoying an “incredibly tough” pre-season campaign having spent long periods working on his own as he battled back from a serious knee injury this time last year.
The 25-year-old had run-outs in training games against Sheffield Wednesday and Braga in Portugal and played the first 62 minutes against Bristol City last Saturday.
Discussing pre-season so far and the visit of Sociedad, Cook told afcb.co.uk: “It’s been a great pre-season. It’s been incredibly tough and the lads have worked really hard.
“We’ve been working on some good stuff and a few different patterns of play. It’s going to be tougher this season so we’ve got to try to adapt and see what we can do to improve.
“The Premier League is tough and we’re going to give it our best shot and try to do as well as we can with some new tactics. We’ve been working hard and are definitely getting there.
“You would expect Real Sociedad to be a nice footballing team with David Silva there. I haven’t seen too much of them but I’m guessing they are like that.
“They will be a fit team packed with technical players and it will be a great test for us and something we need heading into the new season.
“When we played Braga in Portugal, it was a really hot day and they probably acclimatised better.
“They were aerobically fit and I think we can expect more of the same from Sociedad. They will be an aggressive team but also with the quality as well.
“It will be great to see Diego again. He was great for us and has a lovely left foot. He will look to cause us problems but hopefully we can stop them.
“He’s a top guy and a funny guy. When he was here, he learned English really quickly, settled in with the team and was a great member of the squad.”
Meanwhile, Cook, who lifted the Under-20 World Cup for England in 2017, is backing the Lionesses to repeat the feat when they face Germany in the final of the Women’s Euros on Sunday.
“They have been unbelievable,” added Cook. “I’ve watched the past few games and they have been excellent.
“They have come from behind to win and won convincingly against Sweden in the semi-final. I thought Sweden were a great team, especially in the first half.
“They have had a few tests and have come out on top so hopefully they can do the business at Wembley on Sunday.
“They will be nervous because the whole country will be watching and wanting them to win. It would be great for them and the country if they could lift the trophy.”
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