This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Liverpool will face Bournemouth on Saturday as they look to consolidate their lead at the top of the Premier League. Although there are likely to be several interesting duels during the match, one battle in particular could play a big role in deciding the final outcome.
On the chalkboard
So far this season, the Reds are running away with the Premier League title. They have won 14 of their first 15 games in the league so far, and the other 19 teams in the division must be asking themselves how they can stop Jurgen Klopp and Co from a procession to the trophy.
Tasked next with trying to beat them is Bournemouth. They currently sit in the bottom half of the table, and have won just one in their last six. Eddie Howe’s men will be hoping they can cause their opponents some problems at the Vitality Stadium.
In this clash, there is one match-up that could have a telling impact on the end result.
Different attributes must come to the fore
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been fantastic going forward once again this term. To add to the 12 assists he picked up in the top flight alone in 2018/19, he already has six this term as well and we are not even halfway through the season. He was recently called Liverpool’s most creative player, and was even compared to Kevin De Bruyne by Reds legend Jamie Carragher (both as per ViaSport via Goal.com). It isn’t hard to see why.
However, questions have been asked over his defensive ability (Sky Sports via The Daily Mail). He has looked suspect at certain times, such as against Genk in the Champions League when he failed to mark Mbwana Samatta correctly, giving away a silly corner that led to the Belgian side scoring. He has been dribbled past 1.1 times per match, as well, which is the second-most amongst his teammates.
Diego Rico is likely to be facing him this weekend, taking up his position at left-back just like he has done in all but three matches in the league so far this term. The £6.3m-valued 26-year-old – as per Transfermarkt – has two assists, which has only been beaten by Ryan Fraser, but he also has the most key passes with 1.6 per match. With 1.9 crosses per game, he is clearly ahead of the other players to have played for the Cherries up until now this term. Defensively, too, he has done well, picking up two tackles per match as well as 3.2 interceptions.
He has been dribbled past one time per game, which does give the 21-year-old Liverpool star hope in attack, but he will need to concentrate on his defensive duties more than he has done in the past. Bournemouth like to attack down the left flank – 42% of their attacks have come there compared to just 35% down the right – so Alexander-Arnold should expect to be busy.
As good as Mohamed Salah is going forward, as his nine goals already in all competitions indicate, his 0.5 tackles per match show that he will not be much help in defence. If they want to keep this unbeaten run going, Rico must be kept quiet.