After failing to win any of their first two Premier League games of the season, there was a sense of caution building for Andoni Iraola’s tenure as Liverpool boss.
His side were fortunate to avoid defeats against Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United, but netted late in both encounters to secure a score draw.
The Reds have now won four of their last five games across all competitions, including yesterday afternoon, as Alexander Isak’s goal was enough to secure a 1-0 triumph over AFC Bournemouth.
However, despite the latest victory in England’s top-flight, not every player who was elected to start the encounter managed to impress, which could see numerous changes after the international break.
How Liverpool stars failed to deliver against Bournemouth
Alongside manager Iraola, Liverpool left-back Milos Kerkez was faced with a return to his former club yesterday after joining the Reds from Bournemouth in the summer of 2025.
However, it’s safe to say he struggled to deliver against his former employers on Sunday, as the left-back failed to deliver at either end of the pitch during the victory.
The Hungarian international failed to complete any of the crosses he attempted, whilst also being unable to complete any dribbles when marauding forward with the ball.
Even out of possession, he struggled to deliver, subsequently committing four fouls and coming out second best in 57% of the ground duels he contested on the South Coast.
Kerkez certainly wasn’t alone in failing to deliver against the Cherries, with new winger Bradley Barcola showing signs of needing time to be successful.
The Frenchman lost 100% of the ground duels he contested against Marco Rose’s men, whilst failing to make any tackles when tracking back to preserve the clean sheet.
Even in attacking areas, the £123m attacker was unable to deliver the goods, subsequently losing possession on all three dribble attempts, whilst only making one pass into the final third.
Liverpool star is becoming a big problem after Bournemouth
Despite not operating at their very best, manager Iraola will no doubt be happy that his side were able to maintain their unbeaten start to the new Premier League campaign.
Performances have certainly improved over the last couple of weeks, which has allowed the Reds to be sitting in the top six after the first five games of the 2026/27 campaign.
Such a period will also have allowed the new manager to have a better idea of his best starting eleven in his hunt for success in the months ahead at Anfield.
However, if he is to be successful, he may have to finally drop mega-money signing Florian Wirtz from his starting eleven after yet another disappointing display.
The German, who joined for £116m last summer, had high expectations on him to succeed, but it’s safe to say he’s got no where near the levels many anticipated.
The attacking midfielder’s display against Bournemouth yesterday afternoon signified his struggles in England, with the manager unable to trust him to produce the goods in forward areas.
Wirtz featured for 71 minutes of the triumph yesterday, but could only register 53 touches of the ball – a tally lower than goalkeeper Alisson, who registered 55.
Even when he did have possession, the German struggled to have the desired effect, subsequently only completing 70% of the 37 passes he attempted at the Vitality.
He also failed to complete any of his attempted crosses, whilst making just four line-breaking passes – resulting in him losing possession on 15 separate occasions.
After such a performance, the attacking midfielder was handed a measly 3/10 match rating, with such a figure one of the lowest of any player who’s started the encounter.
Liverpool player ratings vs Bournemouth | |
|---|---|
Player | Rating |
Alisson | 8 |
Ronald Araujo | 7 |
Virgil van Dijk | 7 |
Jeremy Jacquet | 9 |
Milos Kerkez | 6 |
Alexis Mac Allister | 6 |
Dominik Szoboszlai | 5 |
Cody Gakpo | 7 |
Florian Wirtz | 3 |
Bradley Barcola | 4 |
Alexander Isak | 7 |
Such a display is evidence that the German international is simply not at the level needed if the club are to be successful in the Premier League this term.
He’s been handed countless opportunities by various managers over the last 12 months, but it’s safe he’s failed to take advantage of the chances handed his way.
It may be a controversial call given the mammoth fee paid for his signature, but Iraola desperately needs to drop him from the starting eleven at the next available opportunity.
Source: www.footballfancast.com
