Liverpool enjoyed a dream run of results in the premier league last season, missing the title in the final day of the exiting season. A sum of 101 goals scored in 38 premier league games telecasted the strength of Liverpool’s attack whereas at the same time, 50 goals conceded on the other side of the field exposed the defensive flaws on higher note.
On the course of time in the summer, countless changes occurred at Anfied as Luis Suarez, leading the front figure of Liverpool attack was sold to Barcelona and Brendan Rodgers replaced the Uruguayan with Italian striker, Mario Balotelli.
In the new season, Liverpool’s defense has found to be significantly remain the same but the team lack the quality similar to Luis Suarez in going forward. The absence of Daniel Sturridge owing to an injury has turned Liverpool’s condition from bad to worse. Liverpool suffered two back-to-back premier league defeats to Aston Villa and West Ham in the absence of Sturridge.
In just five premier league games played, Liverpool conceded eight goals, which is 1.6 goals per game. The above figure simply represent that it is too high for a team to compete for winning the title.
Rodgers have made a series of changes in the team to moderate the average looking Liverpool squad to the title winning mentality; from non-working tiki-taka to the pace enriched direct football. Yet, Rodgers’ works in strengthening the defense have been brought into the light of numerous speculations.
It is yet very difficult to question the ability of Liverpool defenders, especially while thinking about their achievements of the past, for the horrible shows at the back at present.
On taking a slight note of Liverpool defenders, we can smell that Dejan Lovren was voted as one of the best premier league defenders of the last season, Mamadou Sakho overwhelmed Lourent Koscielny to be a significant figure in France back four in the world cup and Martin Skrtel is too efficient as such.
Gerrard has been given the new quadra-drop role in the place of Lucas Leiva and the Brazilian was allowed to leave the club in the summer. Signing Emre Can from Bayer Leverkusen has revealed that Lucas’ Liverpool career was almost over.
Gerrard, adapted himself to his new role well but not up to the expected mark. According to Squawka, in the game against West Ham, Gerrard made no tackles in the entire game, involved in none of the interceptions and converted none of his five crosses- the statistic which make a holding midfielder should never be proud of. In addition, with the Champions League is back, Rodgers should understand Gerrard is no more fit to play three games in a week.
With such type of no support from the midfield, it is highly ridiculous to blame the defense to remain 100% effective.
Lucas along with the youngster, Jordan Rossiter started the game against Midlesbrough in the Carling cup and with their brilliant performances, showed what exactly Liverpool lack in the midfield for the two premier league defeats.
Lucas, known for tackles and interceptions should also be given enough chances as that of Gerrard to reduce the blame imposed on the defense.
Considering the lack of quality in the midfield, it is ridiculous to impose the entire blame on defense for the unwanted concessions. It’s not the defense to be blamed but it should be the Rodgers’ system to accept the blame for the flaws.