Ian Doyle with the talking points from Liverpool's Premier League clash at Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon
Cody Gakpo (Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)
Cody Gakpo (Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)
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Regardless of events at the Vitality Stadium, this was already a landmark week in the burgeoning career of Jeremy Jacquet.
On Friday evening came confirmation of his first call-up to the France senior squad having been named by new head coach Zinedine Zidane for the forthcoming UEFA Nations League games against Turkey, Belgium and Italy.
It was deserved reward after an impressive start to his Liverpool career following his arrival from Rennes for a potential £60million.
And while far too early to make any definitive judgements, there is growing evidence the 21-year-old could prove something of a bargain if he continues his current rate of progress.
Jacquet underlined his growing reputation here on the South Coast with a hugely impressive showing that is making predecessor Ibrahima Konate a distant memory with each passing week.
One moment of calm amid the chaos when slipping the ball between two Bournemouth forwards inside his own area first half to relieve pressure demonstrated his composure.
But he is a defender first and foremost, and the touch he got on to one cross with his head as the Cherries pressed for an equaliser late on was crucial in Liverpool keeping a third successive Premier League clean sheet for the first time since the start of life under Arne Slot.
The big test will come when Jacquet, as with every centre-back, makes a mistake. But the Frenchman has thus far exceeded all expectations - and then some.
Gakpo delivers again
Another day, another different wing partnership for Liverpool. Andoni Iraola continued his policy of rotating his options with new £123million man Bradley Barcola and in-form Cody Gakpo named on the flanks.
With Barcola starting on his preferred left wing, it was the fifth different combination in seven games with Victor Munoz and Rio Ngumoha taking their turn among the substitutes.
The first half, though, was one of frustration as Liverpool malfunctioned for large parts as an attacking force.
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Barcola’s touch oozes class and he has pace to burn, but it will clearly take time for the Reds to fully harness his potential.
In the meantime, Iraola will surely be content with the continued impact of Gakpo who, this time on the right, like his team-mates took time to properly get going before delivering the game’s most telling contribution.
Receiving the ball on the touchline, the Dutchman ghosted past Marcus Tavernier and bludgeoned his way beyond Adrien Truffert before delivering the cross that eventually fell for Isak to score.
While not a direct assist, it was a further example of how the physicality and purpose of Gakpo has made him one of the most important players during this early Iraola era.
Kerkez stays committed
It wasn’t just Andoni Iraola and his coaching staff making a return to Bournemouth here.
For the second season, Milos Kerkez was back at his former stomping ground having endured a miserable first reunion last term when an overly-emotional first-half showing saw him hooked at half-time.
The Cherries clearly had that fresh in their minds as Kerkez was given some rough treatment during a difficult opening period.
The left-back, though, stuck to his task, and rather than be disheartened by the close attentions he instead channelled any hurt into a committed second-half display in which some dogged defending and forays upfield provided Liverpool welcome relief as Bournemouth began to knock heavily on the door.
On the opposite flank, Ronald Araujo occasionally showed why he’s primarily a centre-back but was a strong option in a difficult away game such as this.
And when Bournemouth did breach the rearguard, the found Alisson Becker in imperious form, the highlight a smart stop to keep out Evanilson’s improvised flick. Despite Giorgi Mamardashvili’s impressive Carabao Cup showing, Alisson remains very much Liverpool’s number one.