Iraola starts at Liverpool with defensive solidity vs Bournemouth

Liverpool’s defensive approach looks to be taking shape under Andoni Iraola after a hard-fought win at Bournemouth. At the Vitality Stadium, the main talking point wasn’t just the result, but that the Reds have now recorded three straight Premier League clean sheets for the first time since September 2024.

Three shutouts in a row

As BBC Sport reports, Liverpool have limited opponents to an xG of no more than 0.76 in each of those three matches. Iraola is clearly focused on building cohesion at the back, saying, “The more times they play together, the more solid the defensive line becomes.” He also singled out the connections forming around Virgil van Dijk, Ronald Araujo and Milos Kerkez—with Alisson central again, making a standout first-half save to deny Evanilson.

BBC Sport also highlights the emergence of Jeremy Jacquet as one of the campaign’s biggest positives. The 21-year-old has started every Premier League game since joining from Rennes for £60m in the summer, and he is now poised to make his France debut during the international break after receiving a call-up from coach Zinedine Zidane.

Jacquet’s international call

Iraola praised the way Jacquet has adapted: early on, he “felt the physical change of rhythm,” and Iraola had to substitute him, but “today was a step forward,” adding that he looked solid until the end.

Still, the manager was clear that Liverpool need more from their attackers. After the match, he stressed that the schedule will be demanding and that, with games coming thick and fast, the team must keep improving—especially in how they create meaningful chances. That’s the gap Iraola wants to close next, alongside the defensive strength that has defined their start so far.