“He’s Been Brilliant” – This Liverpool Star Dominated AC Milan to Continue His Incredible Form | OneFootball

Liverpool vs. AC Milan and AFC Bournemouth: A Tactical Review

In the latest Anfield Index podcast episode, Dave Davis sat down with Ben Bocsak to analyse Liverpool’s recent triumph in Milan and look ahead to the upcoming Premier League clash with AFC Bournemouth. The conversation covered Liverpool’s form, the key performances against AC Milan, and the challenge that Bournemouth poses. Here are some key takeaways from their discussion, which provides insight into Liverpool’s tactical approach and the importance of players like Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, and Konaté.

Liverpool’s Victory in Milan

Liverpool’s 3-1 victory against AC Milan at the San Siro was a much-needed boost after a disappointing performance against Nottingham Forest. As Bocsak aptly put it, “Liverpool played enjoyable football… the changes [manager Ara Slot] made were good.” This win highlighted the depth and tactical flexibility of the team, with players like Cody Gakpo and Kostas Tsimikas making a significant impact. Gakpo, for example, “did well” after being brought into the lineup, while Tsimikas provided an assist in what Bocsak described as “a brilliant cross.”

However, the standout performer of the night was Ryan Gravenberch. Bocsak noted that Gravenberch “made the most interceptions in the game, six interceptions, which is really high.” His overall control of the midfield was impressive, contributing to both defensive stability and attacking build-up play. With an 89% pass success rate, Gravenberch is quickly solidifying his role as Liverpool’s number six. Bocsak praised his performance, saying, “He’s made that number six position his own. He’s been brilliant.”

Photo: IMAGO

Bournemouth: A Different Challenge

Looking ahead to Bournemouth, Davis and Bocsak emphasized that this match presents a different challenge. Bournemouth, under manager Andoni Iraola, offers a contrasting style compared to the low-block approach of Nottingham Forest. Davis pointed out, “People are going to say Bournemouth’s going to be exactly the same as Forest… but they are a different team and they do play a style of football.”

Despite Bournemouth’s tendency to press high and attempt to recover the ball, as Bocsak observed, “they have made the most recoveries in the Premier League so far this season,” Liverpool’s superior record against Bournemouth cannot be ignored. Bocsak shared that Liverpool has scored 20 goals in their last five games against Bournemouth at Anfield, adding, “They’ve never won at Anfield in their entire history.”

Key Players for Bournemouth Clash

Ben Bocsak and Dave Davis discussed several Liverpool players likely to feature prominently against Bournemouth. Ibrahima Konaté’s form has been exceptional, and Davis noted his aerial dominance against Milan, comparing his leap for the first goal to an “NBA-like” performance. Konaté’s role will be crucial in dealing with Bournemouth’s pressing game and their ability to create chances.

Another player who could make a significant impact is Mohamed Salah. Bocsak highlighted Salah’s ability to exploit defensive vulnerabilities, especially against Milos Kerkez, who may struggle with positional awareness. Bocsak mentioned, “If Salah can expose that and catch him out of possession, this is a game where you should be captaining him in fantasy football.”

Gravenberch will once again be key, particularly in controlling the tempo and dictating play from deep. His recent performances have shown that he’s more than capable of keeping Bournemouth’s midfield in check. Bocsak noted that Gravenberch’s ball recoveries and ability to “never give the ball away” will be crucial in neutralizing Bournemouth’s pressing game.

Conclusion: A Must-Win Game for Liverpool

As Liverpool prepare to face AFC Bournemouth, fans will be hoping for a continuation of the form displayed in Milan. While Bournemouth presents a different tactical challenge, Davis and Bocsak both agreed that three points are essential to maintain Liverpool’s push for success this season. As Davis summed up, “You hope for three points, you expect three points… but it might not be as easy as it was for parts in Milan.”

With key players like Gravenberch, Konaté, and Salah all in form, Liverpool should have enough to overcome Bournemouth’s high-pressing style. However, as the podcast duo wisely noted, nothing can be taken for granted in the Premier League.