There is no getting away from it.
Liverpool still have midfield problems.
The balance isn’t quite right. The roles aren’t completely clear and there are still questions about who Andoni Iraola’s best combination is in the centre of the pitch.
But there is something else that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Liverpool’s defence is standing strong.
And that could prove absolutely crucial as this new team continues to develop.
The 1-0 victory over Bournemouth wasn’t pretty. Liverpool struggled to control the game for long periods and the attacking play remains a work in progress.
But once again, when the midfield wasn’t functioning perfectly and the forwards weren’t creating enough, the defence stood up.
And that is a massive positive.
Three clean sheets in a row
Liverpool have now kept three consecutive Premier League clean sheets, and that is a huge improvement in itself.
Against Bournemouth, they had to withstand pressure, particularly early in the game.
Alisson produced an outstanding save to deny Evanilson, while Jeremy Jacquet once again looked incredibly composed at the heart of the defence.
Then there was Ronald Araújo.
The Barcelona loanee continues to grow into his role at right-back, giving Liverpool physicality, aggression and another player who looks comfortable defending one-on-one.
Alongside them, Virgil van Dijk continues to provide the experience.
Suddenly, there is a defensive platform.
And that matters.
Jacquet is becoming a huge part of this team
I don’t want to get carried away because Jeremy Jacquet is still only 21.
But what we’re seeing from him is extremely encouraging.
He was voted Liverpool’s Player of the Match against Bournemouth after another impressive performance and another clean sheet.
He looks aggressive.
He looks quick.
He is comfortable stepping forward to meet attackers.
And, perhaps most importantly, he doesn’t look frightened by the responsibility.
For a young defender coming into a new league, that is remarkable.
The partnership with Van Dijk is also beginning to look increasingly natural.
If Jacquet continues developing at this rate, Liverpool may have found a long-term centre-back to build around.
Alisson is doing what Alisson does
And behind that defence is arguably the most important player of all.
Alisson Becker.
Against Bournemouth, Liverpool needed him and he delivered again.
The Brazilian’s early save kept the score level when Liverpool were struggling to get into the game.
This follows important saves in previous games against Ipswich and Atlético Madrid.
That’s what separates great goalkeepers from everybody else.
You don’t necessarily notice them when everything is going well.
But when the team needs them?
They make the save.
Alisson is giving Liverpool the security that allows the players in front of him to make mistakes without immediately being punished.
The midfield is the next big job for Iraola
And this is where I think the international break comes at a good time.
Iraola has already shown that he can make Liverpool difficult to beat.
Now he needs to work out how to make them control matches.
The midfield is still the area where Liverpool look least settled.
Mac Allister has looked increasingly important, but the combinations around him still don’t feel completely convincing.
Szoboszlai has had good moments, but there are games where Liverpool lose control in the middle.
Gravenberch’s role remains unclear.
And then there is Trey Nyoni.
His introduction against Bournemouth was interesting because he immediately gave Liverpool energy and discipline in front of the defence. He was preferred to Gravenberch from the bench and helped Liverpool see the game out.
Could Iraola be preparing to make a big midfield change?
I wouldn’t be surprised.
Liverpool don’t need to fix everything at once
This is where patience is needed.
Liverpool don’t yet look like the finished product.
The attack isn’t clicking consistently.
The midfield still needs work.
Wirtz is struggling for influence.
But look at the other side of the argument.
Liverpool are unbeaten.
They have now won at Bournemouth.
They have three consecutive Premier League clean sheets.
Jacquet is looking like a serious player.
Araújo is adapting.
Van Dijk remains a leader.
And Alisson is producing the big saves.
That’s a pretty decent foundation.
The attacking football Iraola was hired for will hopefully come.
But before Liverpool become the high-octane, front-footed team supporters are expecting, perhaps Iraola’s first job was to make sure they stopped being easy to beat.
And right now, that part of the rebuild is going very well.
The midfield may still need fixing.
The attack certainly needs to click.
But if Liverpool can keep defending like this while Iraola works out the rest of his team, they have every chance of becoming a much more difficult side to play against.
The foundations are finally starting to look solid.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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