Matias Vina, who left Roma for Bournemouth on loan last month, called the Premier League ‘the best league in the world’ and explained how Serie A is ‘a little bit more tactical’.
The 25-year-old Uruguayan left back fell down the pecking order in the Italian capital under Jose Mourinho, making just three Serie A appearances this season before his move to the Cherries.
Vina joined Bournemouth on a six-month loan deal, worth €750,000, with a €15m buy option attached, giving him the chance to prove himself in the Premier League after a tough six months in Italy.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Vina first discussed his impression of the Premier League and a conversation he had with former Liverpool star Luis Suarez before his arrival
.
“In my opinion, this is the best league in the world. Luis (Suarez, ed.) told me that obviously you have to adapt, in terms of the language and the intensity of the league, but that once you have adapted, it is the best there is, that it is a great league and that I would enjoy it a lot.”
The 25-year-old made his Bournemouth debut in their tough 1-1 draw with Brighton, a game that he feels perfectly represents the Premier League.
“It surprised me in a good way, the competitiveness between our team, which is in a difficult position, and a Brighton side which is really high in the table.
“The truth is the games are very even. In the other leagues I’ve played in, the teams are not so evenly matched. Where the teams are in the table generally defines the outcome of the game.
“But from what I’ve seen, our team looks very good, very intense. It has surprised me a lot.”
He compared the English topflight to Serie A, where he spent 18 months with the Giallorossi before heading to the Cherries.
“Physically, it’s stronger here. Even in training, I’m really feeling that. In Italy, the games are a little bit more tactical.
“In moments, they can be end-to-end, but not like here, where every game is back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. It’s a lot more intense.”
The Uruguayan left back commented on how he left a team fighting for Champions League qualification to one looking to avoid relegation.
“Obviously, in my previous clubs, I was fighting for trophies, and this is another reality. But I see the objective as the same: To win, to keep getting points, to go game by game, to try to help get the team out of the position we are in, and to fight until the end.”
Finally, Vina discussed his future and if a permanent move to Bournemouth is likely.
“I’m a player who just tries to go day by day. I’ve felt really comfortable in the days I’ve been here and I like the town a lot.
“I just want to try to help the club get out of this situation. If that’s possible, then of course I would be open to staying.”