Wijnaldum on almost perfect performance at Bournemouth

Gini Wijnaldum believes Liverpool’s impressive 4-0 away win against Bournemouth was good, but not “perfect.”

Mohamed Salah scored another hat-trick for the Reds as Jurgen Klopp’s side but the Cherries to the sword, with an own-goal from Steve Cook further compounding Eddie Howe’s misery.

And while Liverpool came away with the three points they needed to top the Premier League and maintained their unbeaten run, Wijnaldum thinks they fell just short of what could have been a “complete” performance.

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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 07: Georginio Wijnaldum of Liverpool celebrates his goal with team mates during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool and Torino at Anfield on August 7, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Georginio Wijnaldum

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“It would have been complete if we’d done the first half much better,” the Dutch international told LiverpoolFC.com.

“But in the second half we did what we usually do with the counter-press; that’s how we scored the second goal, when Mo scored. That’s the game we want to play – a high press when we lose the ball, counter-press to create chances, and also play to create chances. That went well in the second half.

“It was a good game but if you want the perfect game, we had to play a better first half.”

Nevertheless, the strength in depth at Klopp’s disposal was evident again on the south coast.

On Liverpool’s improved squad depth this season, Wijnaldum said: “It’s important to have a squad that can replace each other.

“Everyone knows in the Premier League – and especially when you play in the Champions League – you play a lot of games, so you need a big squad. If everyone can replace everyone and keep the level, it’s really important.

“I hope we can stay fresh until the end of the season and injury-free. Then I think we can do big things. We’re in a run right now and we have to make sure we stay in this run to succeed.”

Wijnaldum also praised new signings Naby Keita and Fabinho, who he believes are increasingly settling into the squad after a prolonged adaption period.

“Everyone needs time to settle in. I needed time, we saw it with Ox, Robbo needed time. Everyone did well after a few months,” said the midfielder.

“Naby and Fabinho are doing well – and Shaqiri also. We hope they will do [even] better because that means they will help the team and make us even stronger. They are in a good way.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com