Liverpool were vulnerable against Bournemouth due to the lack of defensive instincts from the players on the pitch, Reds expert David Lynch has claimed.
The Premier League champions began their 2025-26 season with a 4-2 victory against the Cherries at Anfield on Friday, and though they were exciting going forward, the Merseysiders struggled during counter-attacks.
Pundits such as Jamie Carragher highlighted the team's vulnerability during transition moments, expressing concern at how open the Reds were at the back.
Lynch shared such sentiments, insisting that Bournemouth benefitted due to a lack of defensive nous, telling Sports Mole: "Fundamentally it's a structural issue. For the first goal, there were six Liverpool players ahead of the ball when it gets lost.
"Structurally that didn't look great in that moment and then the second one they conceded - to be 2-1 up having just conceded and Bournemouth putting a bit of pressure on, the situation they got themselves in was unbelievable. Eight players ahead of the ball and all inside the box.
"That is just crazy, and not a situation you should be in in the game. That said, I'm talking about structural issues there and I'm sure Arne Slot will show a screenshot of that moment and say to his players, 'what are you doing?'"
The Reds also looked vulnerable during counter-attacks against Crystal Palace in the Community Shield on August 10.
Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong pictured on August 15, 2025
Will Ryan Gravenberch solve Arne Slot's defensive issues?
It should be noted that defensive midfielder Ryan Gravenberch was absent from the Bournemouth and Palace games, and his presence would likely have alleviated some of the team's defensive issues.
The Dutchman made the most interceptions of any midfielder in the league last season (60), and his calmness in possession would also have helped prevent counter-attacks.
Lynch was keen to highlight the difference that Gravenberch could make, when he told Sports Mole: "The difference is Ryan Gravenberch. He has that defensive nous of not going into the box at inappropriate moments.
"I did a little piece on him yesterday talking about the fact that he had 28 touches in the opposition box last season, whereas Mac Allister had 63, Jones 64 and Szoboszlai 108. That shows that he is more minded to sit back and not be the extra man [in the box].
"His instincts are defensive whereas Mac Allister, Jones and Szoboszlai's are attacking ones. Particularly around the second goal, I don't believe for a second that he wouldn't be anywhere but that right half space in a really good defensive position following the ball if it does break and Liverpool turn it over."
Liverpool kept the most clean sheets in the Premier League last term (14), and Gravenberch was integral to the Reds' strong defensive performances, so it is no surprise that Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai struggled at times without him.
Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool in action on August 4, 2025
How important was the victory for Liverpool?
Liverpool were able to win the Premier League title last term at a canter, and they were able to do so because they started the 2024-25 campaign in strong fashion, winning 11 of their first 12 matches.
Bournemouth also have a number of excellent players, with the likes of winger Antoine Semenyo reported to be of interest to a number of sides.
Speaking to Sports Mole, Lynch spoke of the importance of getting points on the board early in the season, saying: "Exactly what you want as a curtain raiser, though Arne Slot would have liked it to be a little bit more boring and Liverpool to see it out at 2-0.
"You get a good show of character from Liverpool in a tough game. It's one of those where you're never going to be perfect on the opening day and it's very difficult to be - it's just about trying to get the win.
"This was a particularly important win for Liverpool because of the fact that they've got quite a tough opening, with Newcastle away next, Arsenal at home after that, so to not get three points on board in this one would have been a blow."
Liverpool face Newcastle United on Monday at St James' Park, a stadium that they drew 3-3 in when they faced the Magpies there last season in December.
> Click here to listen to the full discussion on why Liverpool were vulnerable against Bournemouth
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