There are many valid reasons to criticise Liverpool this season. The performances of their midfield, no matter who has played, have frequently been below the high standards which both Jurgen Klopp and the Reds’ fanbase demand.
Many of the reasons for their downturn in form are perfectly understandable. Liverpool had arguably the most draining campaign in football history in 2021/22, so to follow that with a condensed summer thanks to a mid-season World Cup was always likely to be problematic. Seven of the options for the midfield have already been injured this season, with Curtis Jones, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain three of the club’s top four players for games missed.
A much longer standing issue has been the relative lack of goals and assists which they have provided. It hasn’t typically been their job, in fairness, with their primary aim to provide a platform upon which the full-backs and front three could wreak havoc. But with Liverpool struggling to string a run of wins together this term, further contributions from the centre of the team would be welcome.
