Defensive exodus: How Bournemouth performed in pre-season and what Liverpool should expect
Liverpool will kick off the defence of their Premier League title on Friday when they take on Bournemouth at Anfield.
The Reds have enjoyed a positive pre-season, but fell to defeat against Crystal Palace in the Community Shield on Sunday (10 August).
Even still, Liverpool will be confident ahead of the season with the arrivals of several new signings bolstering Arne Slot’s options.
And Alexander Isak could still join up with the squad before the end of the window, with a second bid expected soon from transfer chiefs at Anfield.
Bournemouth struggle in pre-season amid mass exodus
Bournemouth were a tough challenge for many of the Premier League’s top teams last season.
The Cherries, under the management of Andoni Iraola, deployed a high-pressing system that earned them victories over Arsenal and Manchester City, among others.
But Liverpool did not experience the same issues, winning convincingly in both fixtures.
The summer has seen somewhat of an exodus at The Vitality Stadium, with four of Iraola’s first-choice backline departing following the end of the season.
Goalkeeper Kepa has been replaced by Djordje Petrovic, and French full-back Adrien Truffert has been signed to offset the departure of Liverpool signing Milos Kerkez.
| Bournemouth major departures | Fee |
| Ilya Zabarnyi | £55m |
| Dean Huijsen | £50m |
| Milos Kerkez | £40m |
| Jaidon Anthony | £10m |
| Kepa | End of loan |
But Ilya Zabaranyi and Dean Huijsen-shaped holes remain in the centre of the Bournemouth defence for now, with a deal for Lille centre-back Bafode Diakite close to completion.
If he is ready to start, he will likely pair up with Marcos Senesi at Anfield.
The departures have affected Bournemouth in pre-season, with disappointing losses to Manchester United and West Ham coming in their tour of the United States.
Saturday (9 August) marked the Cherries’ final pre-season match, with a Petrovic penalty save the only notable moment from a scoreless draw against Real Sociedad.
Bournemouth still pose threat
Whilst Bournemouth’s defence has been ripped apart, their forward line still remains dangerous.
Antoine Semenyo and Justin Kluivert directly contributed to 35 Premier League goals between them last season, and that is not to mention the contributions of Dango Ouattara and Evanilson.
Also expected to be in the mix this season is Eli Junior Kroupi, who scored 22 goals in the second division of France last season.
At Anfield, Liverpool should be confident to attack Bournemouth at will, but as always, the risk of the counterattack should be considered.
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