Liverpool news: ‘Disjointed’ and ‘rattled’ – Reds continue to struggle defensively

Liverpool are struggling defensively and it’s costing them factors.

After eight league video games final time period, that they had solely conceded three targets – none from set-pieces – and had saved 5 clear sheets.

To this point, they’ve shipped 11 targets, 5 of which have been from set-plays, and saved two clear sheets.

“It is somewhat bit disjointed,” mentioned ex-Premier League striker Troy Deeney, who agreed with fellow Match of the Day pundit Shay Provided that the Reds’ summer season recruitment was prime heavy.

The previous Republic of Eire goalkeeper mentioned it is usually the function of the ahead gamers to defend as a result of “you defend from the entrance”, however that’s troublesome when Arne Slot doesn’t but know his first-choice line-up.

The fragility of Liverpool meant Manchester United’s entrance three of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Mason Mount might use their tempo to their benefit and trigger Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate issues.

“It was in all probability one of many solely Liverpool video games that I’ve watched and thought Van Dijk seemed rattled, particularly within the first half,” mentioned former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison on BBC Radio 5 Stay’s Soccer Day by day podcast.

“It is as a result of he’s having to cowl Milos Kerkez, who I feel proper now has to return out of the workforce. He’s struggling and doesn’t appear to be he can carry that Liverpool shirt in the intervening time.

“Amad [Diallo] and Mbeumo have been inflicting him plenty of issues down that aspect.

“It was truly Konate who was bailing Van Dijk out, which does not occur usually. He was the perfect defender for Liverpool on this sport.”

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