With three games remaining, the Reds can still win the league. Arsenal and Manchester City, two of the three teams in front of them, have demanding Champions League schedules that may wear them out as the season progresses. Liverpool, on the other hand, hopes to win the Europa League after a protracted competition. Their defense is crucial to that, and it’s something that Jurgen Klopp needs to focus on during the international break.
Liverpool’s defensive record through ten games—two shutouts—is not what the team had hoped for. A clean sheet every five games is impressive, but the defense should be performing better when your opponents are teams like Bournemouth, Wolves, LASK, a relegated Leicester City, and a terrible Chelsea. In eight Premier League games, Liverpool has given up nine goals. Two places ahead of Chelsea in 11th place and Crystal Palace in 9th. Klopp’s usual backline, with a few minor exceptions, is largely composed of veterans. Playing on the left is Andy Robertson. Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk serve as the pitch’s center pillars. TAA moves about the right side. Trent, who is 25 years old, is the youngest player. The two center backs are 32 years old. Robertson, 29, is his age.
Durability is a major component of the age-related defensive issues. Reds supporters are already aware that VVD is not the close contender for the Ballon d’Or he once was. Matip is also past his prime. The team has been conceding goals late in the game, which could cost them dearly in the end. There is ample documentation on the difficulties. Many articles describing Liverpool’s defensive shortcomings have been published by the English publication The Athletic. Late-game errors are becoming more common for Matip, and TAA is not yet the flawless veteran that many believe him to be. Granted, the newest member of the “regulars” is a talented player who is still developing, but he is not flawless. There are two ways Klopp and the board can address this issue given that the next transfer window is months away. Both approaches are related and maintain the roles of the current starters. Initially: Think of a child that is lent. Supporters need a response, even though it may not sound ideal.
In the Bundesliga, young player Sepp Van de Berg—who is on loan to Mainz—has made an impression. Nathaniel Phillips is an additional player who might be added back to the starting lineup. Even though he may not be at Anfield for a long time, paying a little extra money to have him return earlier could have a significant impact because his loan to Celtic is scheduled to expire in January. If not, choose option 2. More substitutions, more substitutions. Liverpool’s roster is deep. It is Klopp’s to use
. To some supporters, it is inexplicable why Joe Gomez hasn’t been playing every game. Ibrahima Konate offers more services for consumption. At last, a chance to prove himself has been given to Kostas Tsimikas because of an alleged injury sustained by Robertson. If he makes an impression, Klopp might be persuaded to give him more playing time even after the Scot comes back. Liverpool does not have an issue with their defenders. Their issue is defensiveness. This will be resolved with consistent rotations of talented football players.
Matip and VVD, who created history with the Reds, deserve our highest admiration. They need to be made accommodations because, like Mats Hummels at Dortmund and countless other aging defenders, they can no longer play the entire ninety minutes at their best.
