Rio Ferdinand believes Liverpool can still mount a title challenge - but in order to do so they must find some consistency in terms of personnel.
A goalless draw in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Saturday means Liverpool have dropped points in four of their first six matches this season. The Reds currently find themselves seventh in the Premier League table.
Jurgen Klopp’s side won the title in 2019 and came within one point of the championship last season, but already find themselves six points behind leaders Arsenal, and five behind reigning champions Manchester City after a slow start to the campaign.
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“Listen, you have to look at the last few years they’ve been right amongst the top. In terms of raising the bar in terms of points won, they’re up there with Man City,” Ferdinand replied when asked about Liverpool’s title chances.
“That would suggest they’d be in there but you can’t let this Man City team get too far away. You just think can they maintain a push and get back up there? I think they can, they just need the injuries back and get some consistency in terms of personnel.”
Peter Crouch was also part of the conversation on BT Sport following the game at Goodison and pointed to the departure of Sadio Mane as one of the main reasons why Liverpool are currently struggling.
He said: “So many times Mane has come up trumps in these games where it’s tight, backs against the wall and they’re missing him. Hindsight’s a wonderful thing, Nunez will come good I’m sure.”
Ferdinand agreed and added: “That’s a great point. Those penetrating runs from out to in to support the centre-forward, that’s a big threat they aren’t getting as much or the balls not being played or is it they’re not running as much? There’s a few things to work out but the midfield area is the critical area.”
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