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Opinion

Three things learned about Liverpool v Bournemouth

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OPINION

Liverpool cruised to a much-needed 3-0 victory over an overmatched Bournemouth side at Anfield on Saturday.

Goals from Sadio Mane, Georginio Wijnaldum and Mohamed Salah secured all three points as Jurgen Klopp’s side returned to the top of the Premier League table in fine fashion.

This was the performance Reds supporters have been waiting for. Klopp will be delighted with the reaction from his players after two disappointing draws.

As usual there is much to be gleaned from the game, and Live4Liverpool has rounded up three things that can be learned from Liverpool’s dismantling of Bournemouth.

Wonderful Wijnaldum simply undroppable

It was noticeable in the draw with West Ham United on Monday just how much Liverpool miss Wijnaldum when he’s not playing. That was emphasised and then some by his phenomenal performance on Saturday.

The Dutchman was absolutely sensational against the Cherries, bossing the midfield and scoring a truly remarkable goal. The pass from Andrew Robertson was sensational, the finish from the former Newcastle United man even better.

The 28-year-old brought the ball down in the box and then, with a Bournemouth defender on him, proceeded to chip it over Artur Boruc from about five yards out. It was a moment of pure genius, and it summed up a tremendous display from a player who is undroppable when fit.

Progress at last from Keita

There was much hand-wringing on Merseyside and elsewhere after Naby Keita’s somewhat lacklustre performance against the Hammers last time out. This, then, was the perfect reaction from the Guinea international.

This was arguably the 23-year-old’s finest performance in a Reds shirt, as he delivered a display dripping in creativity. He was decent in the first half but terrific in the second, setting the third goal in motion with a fine pass out from midfield.

It’s taken him a while to get to grips with English football, there’s no doubt about that. However, if this showing is anything to go by he’s found his way at last. Hopefully he can build on this game and continue to impress moving forward.

Great to see Alexander-Arnold back

Trent Alexander-Arnold made his long-awaited return to the Reds team on Saturday, coming on in the second half with the game well won. Klopp’s side have missed him greatly of late, even though he’s only been absent for a few games.

James Milner, ironically, had probably his best game at right back against the Cherries, but it would still be a huge surprise if Alexander-Arnold wasn’t straight back into the starting eleven against Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

He simply offers so much more going forward and defensively than any of Klopp’s makeshift midfielders-cum-right backs. He is a natural at the position and it shows in his play. It’s excellent news that he’s back for the final few months of the season.

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