2 winners and 2 losers as Iraola's Liverpool head into international break undefeated after Bournemouth win
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Andoni Iraola ended Bournemouth's undefeated run that he started earlier this year as Alexander Isak's second-half goal gave Liverpool all three points on the South coast.After a first-half that was timid to say the least, there was all to play for in the second-half, and Liverpool's travelling fans didn't have to wait long after the break for a reason to celebrate.In the 57th minute Cody Gakpo's cross was flicked on by a mixture of Florian Wirtz and James Hill, and landed in-front of Isak who made no mistake in slotting the ball past Đorđe Petrović.The Reds held on for the rest of the fixture, though the hosts did threaten a few more times in the second 45.Here are our winners and losers from Liverpool's last fixture before the international break.Winners 1 - Alisson BeckerThe Brazilian didn't enjoy the best of seasons in 2025-26 and was out injured for an extended period of time.Nevertheless, Alisson's quality has never been in doubt. He remains to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world and frequently bails the Reds out with his wonderful saves.And today was no different.In the 18th minute Bounemouth combined well down their left hand side, and Evanilson's flick almost snuck past Alisson but he got down incredibly well to deny his compatriot a goal.Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Round of 16 - Brazil v Norway - New York New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S. - July 5, 2026 Brazil's Alisson Becker during the warm up before the match IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Caean Couto | IMAGN IMAGES via ReutersHis distribution was as good as ever, and his commanding presence allows the rest of the defence to not have to worry about what's going on behind them.Hopefully the Reds tie him down to another contract as Alisson is clearly still a quality keeper, loves the club and fans and deserves to be rewarded for his performances.
Mac Allister has been Liverpool's best midfielder so far this season, and must be one of the first names on Iraola's teamsheet.He has returned to similar levels to those we saw in 2024-25, and the pairing of either him and Dominik Szoboszlai or Trey Nyoni have worked a treat.While he didn't particularly stand out today, the Argentinian midfielder had a solid game, completing 88% of his passes, making six defensive contributions and winning 100% of his tackles.Liverpool's number 10 is certainly moving in the right direction if he wants the club to offer him a new contract, and hopefully they do.Losers1 - Florian WirtzThe German has been getting a lot of heat recently from all angles across the media. Wirtz can certainly improve his performances but there is also a lot to be desired about how the Reds attack.In the first half, and for parts of the second, Liverpool moved the ball too slowly and didn't do enough to worry Bournemouth's defenders.Wirtz can sometimes contribute to that by taking too long on the ball, but at the same time, it seems like players are afraid to give the ball to him in the positions he picks up.The German's transfer fee seems to make people forget he is only 23.
The international break will be a good time for Liverpool's number 7 to enjoy a different environment, and hopefully Jurgen Klopp can help reinvigorate his season.2 - Bradley BarcolaThis one is a bit harsh, but that's also because there weren't many poor performances against the Cherries.Barcola and Wirtz didn't enjoy the best of afternoons, it has to be said. Wirtz did at least seem to be involved throughout a lot more of the game, but the French winger seemed like a passenger at times.While he did showcase his wonderful first touch by expertly plucking the ball out of the air on several occasions, he didn't offer much else.Obviously, he will need time to adjust to his new team, new manager's expectations and to get used to a brand new league.