Liverpool returned to winning ways on Saturday with a 3-0 win over Bournemouth. Back to back draws had put some pressure on but the Reds have bounced back brilliantly.
We have a look at the top three players who made that happen.
Roberto Firmino
Firmino had a very poor game against West Ham on Monday but he was back to his best here. That was largely thanks to the return of the ‘false 9’ role, a position he gave up this season as Mo Salah moved inside.
But Firmino returned there against Bournemouth and was a huge part of Liverpool winning 3-0, his movement creating the second and third goals. Wijnaldum had space to run into thanks to Firmino leaving that space, while his run and superb pass set up Salah for the third.
This was Liverpool’s front three at their best. 4-2-3-1 has worked this season but there’s nothing quite like the movement and interplay from the 4-3-3. Firmino leading the line so effectively is arguably the main reason for that.
Fabinho
Many people’s man of the match, Fabinho was brilliant as the deepest in a three-man midfield. That’s a role he’s hasn’t really played this season, despite expectation he would. A lot was made at the start of the season as Jurgen Klopp claimed that Fabinho wasn’t comfortable as the lone holding player, needing to play alongside someone.
He played it on Saturday, however, and looked great. He handed more freedom to Wijnaldum and Naby Keita, kept things flowing, and broke up attacks. It also meant Liverpool could return to the system of last season, not needing to sacrifice a midfielder to help the Brazilian.
His newfound confidence in the role could be vital for Liverpool going forward.
Gini Wijnaldum
The first two players on this list were all about freeing up teammates and Wijnaldum took advantage better than anyone. His return to the side in a position he played last season was transformative to Liverpool.
Wijnaldum did his defensive duties well but how he influenced attacks really caught the eye. There was his brilliant goal, of course, as he ran from deep into the space vacated by Firmino. Wijnaldum finished superbly, demonstrating composure that could have got him a goal minutes earlier from a similar run. He was unlucky not to get an assist later in the game too, Sadio Mane heading wide after an inventive pass.
His performance was as good an example of how well Liverpool played against Bournemouth as the 3-0 scoreline. Kloppreturned to the system of last season and Wijnaldum showed just why it was so effective.
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