Legend John Aldridge points out the fatal flaws in the defence, affirming that The Kop need to add two centre-backs and a defensive midfielder in January.
“The attack is destroyed by the defence” and the disappointment of the defence
According to legend John Aldridge, Liverpool are displaying an alarmingly weak defensive style. In a commentary on the Liverpool Echo, he commented that this is “the worst defensive football” he has ever witnessed at the club.
“At the start of the season, I warned that we had to score at least three goals to win,” Aldridge wrote. “But now it’s four, even five, like last week against PSV, to ensure a favorable result.”
He pointed out that the efforts of the attacking line are being wasted in a regrettable way. The draw at Elland Road was the climax, with the strikers scoring three goals away from home but the defence failing to preserve the result. Liverpool are now a shadow of their former selves.
Liverpool are having problems at the back.
Set-pieces are the Achilles heel
Liverpool’s biggest problem lies in their ability to defend set-pieces. Aldridge expressed his confusion that a professional team could defend a corner kick while leaving the second post completely empty. This is not a new mistake, but has been repeated many times.
“The players just rush in and surround the goalkeeper in panic, leaving a huge gap behind them. These are elementary mistakes that are rare even in amateur football,” he analyzed. Panic prevails every time the ball is hung into the penalty area, making it easy for the opponent to exploit in counter-attacks.
Personnel red alert: 3 new recruits needed in January
Liverpool’s defensive crisis stems from personnel issues. With Leoni’s long-term injury and Joe Gomez’s injury history, Aldridge believes the Reds need not just one, but two new centre-backs in the winter transfer window.
A top-class defensive midfielder is also urgently needed. “Ryan Gravenberch is working hard, but he would be much more useful if he was freed up to support the attack,” Aldridge said. However, he also expressed concern that the board will not spend money on 3 new players after investing heavily in the summer, putting coach Arne Slot in a difficult position.
Slot is having trouble with Liverpool.
Questions about Ibrahima Konate’s form
Central-back Ibrahima Konate has also received harsh criticism. Aldridge described his handling of the penalty as “ridiculous” and “naive”.
“What was he thinking? Panic again,” the former Liverpool striker wrote. “Although the impact was minimal and the opponent had already gone down, Konate gave them the perfect excuse.”
Konate’s poor form raises questions about his mentality, whether transfer rumours or contract issues are affecting him. Aldridge quipped: “If Real Madrid saw this form, they would never want to touch him, even for free.”
A rare bright spot in attack
Amidst a gloomy defensive picture, the attack is still Liverpool’s hope. Hugo Ekitike is considered a bright spot with his consistent scoring ability. Meanwhile, Alexander Isak’s class is unquestionable and he needs more time to adapt.
Coach Arne Slot’s task is to find the optimal formula to combine Wirtz, Isak and Ekitike. However, the top priority must still be to patch up the gaps in the back line, especially with Mohamed Salah absent for AFCON. If they do not find certainty soon, Liverpool risk letting the season slip away.