Liverpool`s current season bears little resemblance to their title-winning form of last year. This stark difference was highlighted by a starting lineup featuring Jeremie Frimpong on the wing instead of Mohamed Salah, culminating in a troubling 1-0 loss to Galatasaray in Istanbul. While squad rotation is vital, the deployment of Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back—a position where Frimpong was meant to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold—underscores the significant challenges facing coach Arne Slot. The Reds have now suffered two consecutive defeats, but former Liverpool player and CBS Sports analyst Jamie Carragher argues that the underlying issues are more profound than just recent results.
“It`s not just the last two games that are concerning; I believe Liverpool`s entire nine-game season has been very worrying,” Carragher stated. “I was uneasy about Liverpool very early on, and I voiced that to the manager on the side of the pitch during the first league game against Bournemouth, which Liverpool eventually won 4-2.”
Carragher further expressed his disillusionment, remarking, “I don`t feel like I`m watching a top team. Liverpool isn`t playing football right now; they`re playing basketball—it`s end-to-end, and I don`t think elite teams operate like that.”
The departure of promising young defender Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen, where he secured a starting role that Liverpool couldn`t offer, further illustrates the current squad imbalances, particularly with Ibrahima Konate struggling in central defense. Szoboszlai, playing out of his natural position, also gave away the penalty that Victor Osimhen converted for Galatasaray`s winning goal. Unlike previous matches where they often salvaged results, Liverpool managed only four shots on target and struggled to generate quality chances, which is unusual for a team featuring talents like Florian Wirtz, Salah, Hugo Ekitike, and Alexander Isak.
“They haven`t gained anything offensively, but they`ve lost a lot defensively,” Carragher observed. “Last season was a relatively smooth journey for the manager, winning the Premier League. Now, he truly has to demonstrate his worth. He faces several problems that require solutions, and I`m eager to see his approach, especially since considerable funds were spent on certain players, and the team`s balance currently seems off.”
Carragher identified Florian Wirtz as a significant concern. “The most apparent issue is Florian Wirtz. He`s completely off the pace. He`s a young player adapting to a new league and has ample time to develop, but at this moment, I believe he needs to be rotated out of the team for Liverpool to recapture last season`s stability, build confidence, and establish defensive solidity.”
Wirtz`s struggles are partly attributed to a different tactical role at Liverpool compared to his time at Leverkusen. As the focal point of Leverkusen`s attack, he had high touch numbers and significant expected assists/goals. At Liverpool, his touches and shooting statistics have noticeably decreased, impacting the squad`s overall equilibrium. Coach Slot`s inaugural year was anticipated to be challenging following Jurgen Klopp`s departure, but inheriting a winning team and reaching two losses in just nine matches (compared to 27 last season) signals an urgent need for adjustments.
With four new starters against Galatasaray, substantial financial commitments to the squad, and a crucial clash with Chelsea looming that could see Arsenal overtake them at the top of the Premier League, Slot is under immense pressure. While Arsenal, under Mikel Arteta, has a clear identity and game plan, Liverpool must swiftly rediscover theirs.
Carragher`s Recommendations for Restoring Liverpool`s Form:
1. Return Szoboszlai to Midfield
Liverpool`s previous success was often built on the dynamic midfield partnership of Alexis Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, known for their strong defensive work rate and creative attacking vision. With Mac Allister sidelined by injuries and Szoboszlai playing out of position, the midfield`s crucial balance has been disrupted. The return of Conor Bradley offers a natural right-back option, enabling Szoboszlai to return to his vital central role. Players like Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch haven`t consistently provided the same two-way midfield contribution, and Wirtz`s struggles further emphasize the need to re-establish a strong central midfield.
2. Define a Consistent Role for Frimpong
Jeremie Frimpong, a key summer signing, has underperformed when deployed in a traditional back four, where his defensive vulnerabilities are exposed. At Leverkusen, he excelled as a wing-back, a role Liverpool rarely utilizes with three center-backs. Starting him on the wing against Galatasaray suggests Slot acknowledges his offensive capabilities. However, with Salah typically occupying this position, Slot must identify Frimpong`s optimal fit to maximize his attacking contributions and ensure team cohesion.
3. Explore Gravenberch as a Center-Back Option
With young defender Giovanni Leoni`s season-ending injury, Liverpool`s defensive depth is severely limited, relying primarily on Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, and Ibrahima Konate. Considering Wataru Endo and the currently injured Stefan Bajcetic have filled in defensively, and Konate`s recent struggles, Slot faces a rotation challenge. Positional versatility is a hallmark of this team, and Gravenberch, who has played deeper in a back three, could be an unexpected solution. Exploring his potential in a back four might be a necessary experiment until new players can be brought in during the January transfer window.
