For self-proclaimed title favorites Liverpool, the current holders of FIFA’s World Club Cup and 19-time champs of England, a world of hurt. They’ve tasted consecutive losses in league and Champions League action. Jamie Carragher, a former Liverpool star and current pundit, has expressed deep concern over the team’s inability to perform at a top level, suggesting that their recent performances resemble a chaotic style of play rather than the disciplined football typically associated with elite teams.
The men in red suffered an embarrassing 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday. Just four days later they fought tooth and nail but lost out 1-0 in Istanbul to Galatasaray on Tuesday evening. These losses have raised questions about the team’s current form and have prompted Carragher to voice his concerns regarding the squad’s overall makeup and tactical approach.
A Shift in Dynamics
Where last season was all about Liverpool’s vintage workmanlike mentality that won them the league crown. This season, through a combination of astute signings and splashy, high-profile transfers, the team seems to have re-oriented its ambition. For all these changes, Carragher feels that the heart of what made them so successful is gone.
“It’s about the make-up of the team with two attacking full-backs and a No 10 who is more interested in getting on the ball than defending like [Dominik] Szoboszlai was last season.” – Jamie Carragher
Perhaps the most notable difference is how the midfield dynamic has completely shifted since last year. Read that, then consider that new recruit Dominik Szoboszlai has had a hard time adjusting. That was evident in his performance against Galatasaray where he was repeatedly roasted by Baris Alper Yilmaz, resulting in a penalty for the Turkish side. On loan striker Hugo Ekitike limped off in the 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace. Yet instead, his absence has created even muddier things for Liverpool.
Carragher made the case that players such as Florian Wirtz and Ryan Gravenberch must raise their level. Gravenberch, especially, has had some very expensive mistakes and lost five of six duels in key moments.
Concerns Over Key Performers
Carragher’s criticisms extend beyond just the midfield. He suggested that Mohamed Salah looks like a different player from the one that owned the premier league’s pitch last season. The Egyptian forward’s inability to impact the game has been clear as Liverpool has had a difficult time keeping the ball and generating goal-scoring chances.
Ibrahima Konate’s poor display against Galatasaray was widely called out after his error led to a foolish backpass to Gravenberch. This mistake was a showcase of the defensive holes that have recently plagued this group. Carragher thinks these inconsistencies are what has brought them to their lowly position today.
“If Liverpool continue like that, I don’t think they will win the league.” – Jamie Carragher
The former Liverpool defender was insistent that there is something fundamentally unbalanced about this Chelsea team right now. He proposed replacing Szoboszlai and Wirtz in the 11. This third step would create an environment in which they can regain their confidence and increase their positive contributions on the defensive end.
Tactical Misalignment
The tactical change employed by Liverpool has shocked fans and analysts as well. Carragher lambasted the team’s style of play, calling it “the most chaotic, ramshackle, uncoached [direction].
“Liverpool aren’t playing football at the moment, they are playing basketball. It is just end to end and I don’t think top teams play like that.” – Jamie Carragher
This helter-skelter style is counterproductive to their success while putting defenders in precarious situations. Combined with a visible lack of support from Liverpool’s midfield and defence as Liverpool overcommit to attack, leaving them vulnerable to opposition counterattacks. Jurgen Klopp Manager Jurgen Klopp is living through a stormy chapter with the group. It’s a huge order for him to re-set the tone and function of the team.
Alexis Mac Allister’s gradual return to full fitness after a hampered pre-season adds another layer of complexity to Liverpool’s situation. His successful entrance to the team might just be the key to finding some measure of stability.
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