Many things spring to mind when you say the name, Liverpool. 5 Champions Leagues, 18 League titles, one of the most successful sides in English Football and awful defending. After recording three successive clean sheets in all competitions, it was starting to look like their defensive problems were on the mend. Then 3 goals in 15 minutes against Bournemouth seen them throw away 3 points in a game they were leading 2-0 then 3-1. The bubble was indeed burst at the Vitality stadium and now once again Liverpool's defensive line has come under intense scrutiny.
The On-going Problem
The sad thing is that this has been an issue with Liverpool for some time now, their defending cost them the Premier League title in the 2013/14 season. Despite playing some of their best football, conceded 50 goals throughout the season and needed to rely on outscoring opponents. Now, as Liverpool are expected to embark on another quest to challenge for the league title under Jurgen Klopp, the curse of the defense cost them dearly in the race.
They were without summer signing Joel Matip for the away trip and his influence to the side has been highlighted in recent weeks, with the side conceding 9 goals in 3 games without him compared to conceding 9 goals in 11 games when the centre-back has been on the side.
It is evident his calm composure in the backline reassures his team-mates and thus ensures better defensive performances but the foundation of a good defense can't rest on the shoulders of one player.
The truth is that Lovren, Clyne, and Milner who make up the rest of Liverpool's defense started the game and all should be held accountable alongside Lucas for the dismal display.
Makes you wonder why Lucas was on the side with Klavan fit, I thought the reason he was signed was to add defensive cover when first-team players were unavailable. The choice to play the Brazilian over him proved costly as he showed once more that he can't pass and he can't tackle.
Yes, he has had some strong defensive performances last season and in the EFL Cup this season but he is not good enough cover for a side that wants to finish in the top four and perhaps push for the title.
The fact that Liverpool seems to capitulate under immense pressure shows that this problem runs deeper than just poor team selection or just a bad day at the office and now after being the source of their problems for years now needs to be sorted sooner rather than later.
Changes Needed?
Klopp has managed to issue some damage control, with Liverpool conceding considerably less from set-pieces which proved to be their kryptonite in preceding campaigns. However just general bad decision making and rash judgement is starting to cost Liverpool dear. There are already rumours gathering place on the potential arrival of Van Dijk at Anfield and would be a welcome additions to the club having shown strong impressive performances since moving to Southampton from Celtic.
Then the left-back position has been the bane of the side for years, with the likes of Dossena, Cissokho and Enrique failing to make the grade in the position. Milner has been impressing as a temporary full-back in recent weeks but the Bournemouth match showed that he can be easily exposed due to his lack of pace when opposition break on the counter attack. Moreno is probably a player that won't be able to force his way back into the side and will be on his way out of the club pretty soon, and the fans will be begging for a quality left-back to be signed and ease any worries of this problem position causing any more harm this season. Finally there is the case of
Finally there is the case of Lovren and Clyne both good players but also both struggle to impress, I personally think now is the time for the pair to step up and prove they deserve their place in the side, as it won't be long before criticism comes there way. The fact that Liverpool continue to be linked with defensive acquisitions speaks volume for what the world of football think about their ability to defend.
