Liverpool’s defensive issues have impacted the form of the Reds massively this season and as of late, have failed to win their last four Premier League games, taking just 3 points from a possible 12 and sitting fourth in the Premier League table after losing out on the top spot.
These absences in defence and the lack of options have led to a makeshift back four with Fabinho and Jordan Henderson often having to operate as a centre-back pairing leaving the club’s midfield without the quality and cover that it is used too.
So much so, that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has even shared his thoughts on the current circumstances, stating that having to constantly change our centre-halves changes everything else in the squad, including the way they set up, as quoted by the Dail Mirror’s Northern Football correspondent David Maddock on Twitter…
Constantly changing your centre halves changes everything. It affects the set up, it affects everything.
They are the words of Jurgen Klopp. He knows #LFC need a centre half, knows the constant juggling is affecting everything, right across the pitch – including threat up front
— David Maddock (@MaddockMirror) January 17, 2021
It is good to see that our manager understands the issues at hand and isn’t arrogant about the situation – it is key to remember that Klopp is the man that created this system for the squad and brought in the right players for the job that has generated the success we have experienced over the past few seasons.
Who is Liverpool's best CB right now?
Fabinho
Joel Matip
Rhys Williams
Nat Phillips
Trent Alexander-Arnold has noticeably been off the mark for the Reds so far this season and this mainly comes down to the fact that Henderson has been playing out of his usual position at right central midfield, leaving Trent more vulnerable on that right-hand side when going forward, meaning he has been limited with his chances going forward and creating opportunities for the front three.
When Trent goes forward, Henderson would often cover at right-back meaning that if the Reds were to be caught on the counter then there wouldn’t be too much worry of a whole left in defence due to the youngster being further up the pitch.
However, the current situation has limited Trent going forward with no other player able to perfect the captain’s duties quite like himself. I hope the club’s hierarchy will understand this soon and provide cover during the January window sooner rather than later.
What do you think Liverpool fans, do you think our defensive issues are affecting the rest of the squad? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section down below…