Eddie Howe believes AFC Bournemouth fans are only seeing the start of Lewis Cook’s huge potential, after the midfielder agreed a new four-year contract at Vitality Stadium.
Twenty-one-year-old Cook, who is currently on standby for England’s World Cup squad, has firmly established himself in the heart of the Cherries’ side over the 2017/18 season, as well as making his senior Three Lions bow.
And Howe insists there is plenty more to come from the young schemer, who he is excited about continuing to work with day in, day out.
"It was really important that we get our talented, young players to commit to the future of the club," said the manager.
"Lewis has had an outstanding campaign, highlighted by his recognition with the England team and his place on standby for the World Cup squad.
"This is a really important signing for us to make. Lewis’ immediate future is now with us and we can really concentrate on next season.
"He has shown huge patches of potential throughout the season but he can get even better.
"I truly believe that Lewis is someone who will continue to improve and get more consistency in certain areas of his game that we have highlighted to him. We are looking forward to developing him further here.
"This is an exciting stage of his career, it is heading in the right direction and I am delighted that will happen at AFC Bournemouth."
Cook has just completed his fourth season of first team football, having risen through the ranks at Leeds United before making his debut at the tender age of 17.
A switch to AFC Bournemouth followed two summers ago, and Howe is looking forward to what the future holds for the midfielder at Vitality Stadium.
"It can be easy to forget how young Lewis is," he continued.
"It feels like he has been around forever because he broke into the first team at Leeds when he was very young and has achieved a huge amount in a very short space of time.
"But that’s a great thing for him and us – he has plenty of experience at such a young age, and we have a really talented young player who will be with us for many years and we will see the very best of."
