The current Liverpool squad is a stark contrast to last season`s formidable side. This became evident not just from a starting XI featuring Jeremie Frimpong on the wing instead of Mohamed Salah, but emphatically so after their 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray on Wednesday at Istanbul`s intimidating Rams Park.
While squad rotation is essential for managing a demanding schedule, especially with Chelsea looming this weekend, certain decisions raise concerns. For instance, Frimpong was acquired as a potential replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, yet seeing Dominik Szoboszlai deployed at right-back highlights the significant challenge facing coach Arne Slot to restore the team to its Premier League-winning standard. The Reds are now grappling with back-to-back losses, though their struggles were hinted at earlier in the season when late winners were frequently required to secure results. Former Liverpool defender and current analyst Jamie Carragher is notably unimpressed by the team`s performances.
“It`s concerning, but the last two games aren`t just concerning. I think Liverpool`s full nine games this season have been very concerning. I was worried about Liverpool very early on, and I expressed that to the manager on the side of the pitch against Bournemouth on the first league game, the one that Liverpool ended up winning 4-2,” Carragher stated.
He continued, “I don`t feel like I`m watching a top team. Liverpool aren`t playing football at the moment, they`re playing basketball, it`s end to end, and I don`t think top teams play like that.”
Some player departures, such as Jarell Quansah moving to Bayer Leverkusen to become a starter, are an expected part of top-tier football. Leverkusen offered the young defender a first-team role that Liverpool couldn`t, yet this sale looks less favorable now as Ibrahima Konate struggles in central defense. Szoboszlai, playing out of position, also conceded the penalty that Victor Osimhen converted, securing Galatasaray`s victory.
Unlike previous matches, Liverpool couldn`t find a way back into the game, managing only four shots on target and failing to create significant chances from promising positions. For a team boasting talents like Florian Wirtz, Salah, Hugo Ekitike, and Alexander Isak, this lack of attacking potency is unexpected.
“They haven`t gained anything going forward, but they`ve lost a lot defensively. I think for the manager, last season was such a smooth ride for them, and he`s now got to really earn his money. He did last season, he won the Premier League, which is unbelievable, but he`s got a few problems that he`s got to fix, and I`ll be interested to see how he goes about it because he spent a lot of money on certain players, and right now, I don`t think that the balance of the team is quite right,” Carragher elaborated.
He specifically pointed out Florian Wirtz: “The obvious problem that stands out is Florian Wirtz. He`s just not at the races at all, he`s a young boy going to a new league, he`s got plenty of time to grow as a Liverpool player but right now, I think he needs to come out of the team for Liverpool to get back to where they were last season and then go from there to try and build some confidence and defensive stability.”
Against Galatasaray, Wirtz had opportunities, but his role at Liverpool differs significantly from his time at Leverkusen last season. With the German club, Wirtz was central to their play, averaging 78 touches per 90 minutes, contributing to 0.31 expected assists and 0.36 expected goals per 90, alongside nearly three shots per game. At Liverpool, his touches have dropped to 60. While his chance creation remains similar (0.29 xA per 90 minutes), his shooting numbers have declined, taking almost half as many shots and generating only 0.19 xG per 90.
Adjusting to the Premier League and a team where Salah is the primary attacking focus is naturally challenging, but it is currently disrupting the squad`s balance. Slot`s first year was anticipated to be tougher than it initially seemed, replacing a club icon like Jurgen Klopp. However, he also inherited a team ready to win. Last season, Slot recorded his second loss across all competitions after 27 matches. This season, that mark has been reached in just nine games. There`s a clear difference between a charmed run and truly dominating the Premier League before the new year.
Four players who started against Galatasaray were not part of the club last season, and they are expected to play crucial roles moving forward. Given the significant financial investment in these squad members, Slot must find a way to maximize their potential, but time is not on his side. Despite their struggles, the Reds still lead the Premier League by two points over Arsenal. However, with a clash against Chelsea this weekend, the Gunners could potentially top the league by the international break. Arsenal`s identity and game plan under Mikel Arteta are clear, and while Liverpool had theirs under Slot last season, they urgently need to rediscover it this season.
Let`s explore potential solutions:
Move Szoboszlai back to midfield
- Much of Liverpool`s prior success stemmed from the dynamic midfield pairing of Alexis Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, who both possess high defensive work rates and vision for incisive passes. This balance made Liverpool incredibly difficult to play against.
- Mac Allister has faced injury setbacks, while Szoboszlai has been deployed as an emergency right-back. With Conor Bradley`s return, a natural option for that position is available.
- Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch haven`t demonstrated the same two-way ability in midfield, and Wirtz has also struggled. Restoring the core of Liverpool`s midfield engine room seems the most logical step at this juncture.
Find a consistent role for Frimpong
- As a key summer acquisition, Frimpong has sometimes been exposed playing in a flat back four. At Leverkusen, he excelled as a wing-back, a role that allowed him to get further up the pitch. However, Liverpool rarely utilizes a three-center-back system, limiting his natural attacking tendencies.
- Starting Frimpong on the wing suggests Slot values his offensive contributions and is willing to adapt his position.
- While this role is typically occupied by Salah, indicating limited regular opportunities, acknowledging the issue is the first step. Slot now faces the challenge of identifying Frimpong`s optimal and most consistent position within the squad.
Is Gravenberch a center-back?
- With young defender Giovanni Leoni`s season-ending injury, Liverpool`s defensive options are critically thin. Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, and Konate are the only recognized natural center-backs available.
- Wataru Endo and the currently injured Stefan Bajcetic have previously filled in defensively, leaving Slot with few choices for rotation.
- Positional versatility has been a hallmark of this team. Given Konate`s recent struggles, and Gravenberch`s occasional deeper roles when Liverpool employs a back three, it might be worth exploring his potential in a back four. As new players cannot be added before January, this internal solution could offer crucial defensive depth.
