Defence starts in attack and Jamie Carragher feels that from top to bottom, from Nunez to van Dijk, Liverpool are nowhere near as good defensively as they have been in years gone by.
The loss of the Sadio Mane’s energy has obviously reduced their cability to press. From there, the team has fallen like dominos.
Losing Georginio Wijnaldum from the midfield was just as bad and with Fabinho, running around, in the words of Liam Brady like an ‘old man,’ Liverpool’s defence are exposed.
And between Joe Gomez, Trent Alexander Arnold and Virgil van Dijk, Carragher doesn’t feel they’re up to it.
So van Dijk took a digging, Carragher was clearly disappointed in Joe Gomez. The former Liverpool centre back was disgusted after their 5-2 home loss to Real Madrid and he summed up where it’s all gone wrong for Jurgen Klopp’s team.
“It was nonsense, absolute nonsense that Liverpool were back after the last two games,” Carragher began, “And that’s why I was cautious before the game.
“They played against an Everton team, one of the worst performances I’ve seen in a derby game from an Everton team who did nothing.
“I was at the Newcastle game as well.
“Newcastle had 10 men and created chances. If Newcastle had had 11 men all game, they’d have got back to 2-2, I’m convinced. Liverpool, right now and all season, as I’ve said before, have been an absolute shambles defensively.
“Now, this team had a great defensive record last season,” he added.
"Virgil van Dijk said I wouldn't get in that back four a few months ago. I think I'd take his place at the moment…"
Savage from Carragher 🔪pic.twitter.com/1BLwLmahnK
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) February 22, 2023
“But we know the midfield doesn’t have the energy anymore, the attacking players – the front three – don’t press like or certainly don’t have the cohesion that was there before with Firmino and Mane, so they’re new to it, Nunez and Gakpo.”
So, this Liverpool defence now, who for years we’ve been told have some of the best players in the world, can’t cope because for years they’ve had a front six in front of them who probably worked harder and smarter than any other team in world football, and now that’s gone, it’s completely fell apart.”
Interestingly, while many believe midfield is the big issue for Liverpool, Carragher feels that their need for defenders is just as pressing. Previously, the likes of Van Dijk would have been seen as untouchable in the team, but Carragher isn’t buying that.
“We keep talking about midfield players who Liverpool need and I think that’s right, but I think Liverpool need defenders as well because when they get exposed they can’t defend.”
“But Liverpool are eighth in the Premier League, they’ve just been battered 5-2 in the Champions League. I know it’s Real Madrid but these are the two teams who were in the final last year. It’s not acceptable what we’re watching this season. We keep looking for reasons and excuses, but no, it’s nowhere near good enough.”
