Andoni Iraola picked up an important win in the Premier League on Sunday, as Liverpool edged past his former club Bournemouth 1-0 at the Vitality Stadium.
Andoni Iraola picked up an important win in the Premier League on Sunday, as Liverpool edged past his former club Bournemouth 1-0 at the Vitality Stadium.
The victory, secured through Alexander Isak’s 57th minute finish after Cody Gakpo’s cross deflected into his path, was far from a convincing performance but proved enough to lift Liverpool into sixth place heading into the international break.
The afternoon produced two standout storylines away from Isak’s goal.
Jeremy Jacquet continued his remarkable start to life at Anfield, dominating Evanilson in the centre of defence and once again demonstrating the ball playing quality that has made him a serious candidate for Liverpool’s player of the season so far.
Florian Wirtz, by contrast, endured another difficult outing, struggling with his touch and decision-making throughout, though he did play a role in the winning goal, deflecting Gakpo’s cross into Isak’s path at the near post.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk addressed both the wider mood around the club and the emergence of his young centre-back partner, striking a notably measured tone despite the club’s promising early form.
On Jacquet specifically, Van Dijk was full of praise but careful not to overstate expectations.
“He has showed a lot of good things so far this season,” the captain said.
“He’s still so young, still has a lot to learn, a lot to give.”
So let’s all stay calm.”
“He’s had a very good game and season so far.”
“Let’s keep going.”
That same measured approach extended to his assessment of the team’s attacking contributions and the win itself.
“It’s very important for players up front to get goals.”
“Alex of course, but everyone’s contributing with that.”
“Flo had a big share in the goal.”
“It’s a good win here, clean sheet and we go into the international break, then we’re going to be bracing ourselves for a very, very intense period.”
When pressed on just how good this Liverpool season could turn out to be, Van Dijk allowed himself a rare moment of optimism, though he was quick to temper it.
“Very good,” he said.
“Like I said at the start, let’s stay calm and keep working and don’t get ahead of ourselves.”
He was equally clear-eyed about the difficulty of the assignment at Bournemouth.
“It was an important win at a difficult ground.”
“They make it very uncomfortable for you.”
“The pitch was very dry today and we had to be very direct and good in our individual battles.”
“At times it could be a lot, lot better.”
“We come away with three points, the clean sheet.”
The message throughout was consistent.’
Progress is being made, individually and collectively, but the captain has no interest in getting carried away this early into the campaign.
Liverpool return to action after the international break with a home clash against Manchester City on Sunday, October 11, a fixture that will offer a far sterner examination of exactly how good this Liverpool side can be.
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