Liverpool need to reinvent themselves defensively to stop their poor form, according to one of their former players – but they don’t have many options.
The Reds have been conceding goals on a regular basis, which is very out of character for a team that only conceded 26 last season in the Premier League.
In all competitions this year so far, they’ve conceded a goal in six out of the eight games including four away at Napoli.
So what can Liverpool do to counteract this unappealing trend? Former player Danny Murphy claims they need to reinvent defensively but are the options there?
The criticism of Liverpool’s defence is justified but misses wider issues. Usually get away with high line because of the pressure and cohesion from front three and midfield. The front three look like they’ve never played together and the midfield is awful, leaving them exposed
— Tyrone Marshall (@TyMarshall_MEN) September 7, 2022
Murphy on Liverpool’s defence
Former Liverpool midfielder turned pundit Murphy has claimed Liverpool need to reinvent themselves and he believes it has to be defensively.
He said: “Jurgen Klopp has talked about reinventing the team, which usually means a tactical switch or changing personnel. Maybe he’ll think about switching Joe Gomez to right-back for a couple of games as he’s a natural one-on-one defender.”
Gomez has deputized there on occasion to help sure that side and managed 10 appearances at right-back last season – where he managed one assist.
The issue for the Reds is that there aren’t any other alternatives as it stands, with James Milner the only other option who can play in that role other than Alexander-Arnold.
Although, there’s also a huge disconnect between the midfield and even the attack too – with the team not defending as a unit and the midfield being almost non-existent, which leads to the defence being exposed. It’s not quite as simple as a change in personnel.
🗣 "I think it was how exposed the defence were."
Paul Robinson gives a critical analysis on Liverpool's defence, claiming the midfield are also responsible pic.twitter.com/Mmms8eqDV4
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) September 8, 2022
Klopp can’t control individual mistakes and lapses in concentration too – which we saw plenty of from the whole Liverpool backline against Napoli.
The return of Thiago and the addition of Arthur Melo will certainly help – whilst Arthur is an unknown quantity in this side, Thiago won all six of his tackles in 27 minutes vs Napoli. He won as many tackles as Gomez, Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho and James Milner combined.
Even at the back, Andy Robertson is now out injured for at least a month, meaning Kostas Tsimikas will finally get a run in the team – something he’s not had since arriving at the club. Even a new face in the back four could help to refresh the back line.
With senior midfielders back and a change at left back and the experienced Joel Matip back in the fray, it should give Liverpool a slightly new feel and we should see an improved performance.
