Florian Wirtz Shines in Liverpool Win Over Bournemouth
Individual Brilliance Fuels Liverpool’s Opening Day Victory
Liverpool’s 4–2 win against Bournemouth marked a promising start to the Premier League season under Arne Slot. The latest Positional Play podcast on Anfield Index, hosted by Dave Davis and Dr Phil Barter, dissected the game in forensic detail, focusing on new arrivals and standout performances, notably Florian Wirtz.
Davis opened the episode with a clear conviction: “It is right we have a bit of individual focus,” and that tone continued as he and Barter broke down Liverpool’s dynamic, if occasionally chaotic, display.
Florian Wirtz: Early Signs of a Creative Hub
The analysis of Florian Wirtz’s competitive debut was especially revealing. While reaction online ranged from ecstatic to underwhelmed, Dr Phil Barter offered a measured take: “He wasn’t amazing… but was he one of the better players on the pitch? Yes.”
Statistically, Wirtz was pivotal. “He created the highest amount of threat in the team, 23%,” said Barter. He noted the young German’s efficiency in advanced zones, stating, “Over 80% of his touches were from the mid to final third.” Wirtz recorded 31 carries with 23% of them being progressive and had 18 final third passes or carries. Barter summarised, “He passed it well… carried it well… could he have been better? 100%. But he created more threat than anyone.”
The hosts agreed the forward must adapt physically. “He’s got to learn to deal with that physicality,” Davis said, citing missed 50-50s. Still, the consensus was hopeful. “He finds space. Just give him the ball,” Davis insisted.
Fullbacks Under the Microscope
The tactical role of the fullbacks also drew attention. Barter explained that new signing Kerkez “was clearly under instructions to stay at home alongside Virgil.” His output showed 26 carries and 93% passing, but weaknesses emerged. “Aerials unfortunately 33%… dual rate only 50%,” Barter noted, also pointing out, “He’s incredibly one-footed.”
Frimpong, meanwhile, impressed both statistically and visually. “36.1 km/h top speed, 20 sprints,” Barter detailed. He added, “He stopped 100% of threat and had a 75% duel success rate.” Despite concerns about how he’d handle defensive duties, Barter concluded: “He was far better defensive-wise than I think a lot of people gave him credit for.”
Hugo Ekitike’s Impactful Debut
The debut of Hugo Ekitike also warranted praise. “Gets a goal and assist on his debut,” said Davis. “He received 21 passes and didn’t let any of them go – 100% receiving rate.” Barter added, “He had four shots. That’s double what his predecessor averaged.”
There were signs of early chemistry, too. “He links with Flo, he links with Mo better in this game,” said Davis. The issue remained fitness: “I’d love him to play 90 minutes, but he just clearly isn’t fit enough.”
Mo Salah: The Difference in the Chaos
In a game that often lacked team coherence, Mohamed Salah proved decisive. “When the game’s most chaotic… the Egyptian king gets it,” Davis remarked. Salah’s stunning right-footed goal sealed the win, with Barter analysing, “He ratcheted that up to 49% from a 0.11 chance – he made it a coin flip.”
Though not vintage Salah, he still managed 10% of Liverpool’s attacking threat. “In the key moments he provided what we needed,” Davis concluded.
Growing Into Arne Slot’s System
Reflecting on Liverpool’s performance as a whole, Davis emphasised that cohesion would come with time: “You’ve effectively ripped up the entire playbook from last season.” Barter agreed, “We relied on brilliance, individual brilliance rather than flowing team moves.”
Nonetheless, both analysts saw promise in the new tactical shape and individuals’ contributions. “Plenty to be excited about,” said Davis, “It’s just fixing the little things – and Slot can do that.”
