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JAMES Hill ‘can be a crucial player’ for the Cherries as Marco Rose looks for the Englishman to step up after the departure of Marcos Senesi.

Hill was mentioned in the same breath as Adam Smith and Lewis Cook when Rose discussed the key characters in his squad in his first press conference as Bournemouth boss, and Rose believes he will ‘take the next step’ in his career this term.

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That is despite the 24-year-old only beginning to get regular minutes in the Cherries squad after Christmas last season.

He came into the team after the 4-1 thrashing at Brentford, and he impressed, going on to not miss a minute as Bournemouth went on to go 18 games unbeaten and qualify for Europe.

(Image: Richard Crease)

Asked about Hill’s role in the side in this coming season, Rose told the Daily Echo: “He’s very important because he showed that he could be a crucial player for this team because it was not just about Marcos, it was about Hilly as well, the way he defends.

“And his mentality and even in trainings, the way he is treating his teammates, he's speaking.

“So, I think he's going to do his next step this season.

"He started well after a difficult time last season and now it's about him and me to make another step.”