Richards pinpoints tactical imbalance
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has highlighted one major issue behind Liverpool’s struggles — a midfield imbalance that’s leaving Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate increasingly isolated.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Richards was candid in his assessment of the Reds’ decline: “Van Dijk needs help. In previous seasons he’s bailed everyone out, but right now he’s the one needing someone to bail him out — and Konate isn’t in a position to do that.”
Richards argued that the shifts in Liverpool’s midfield composition have disrupted the protection that once shielded the back line. The changes — notably the absence of the trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Ryan Gravenberch — have altered both the tempo and balance of the team.
“In the past, Mac Allister was a natural protector, and Szoboszlai had the energy to press,” Richards added. “Now, with Curtis Jones playing deeper, they’ve lost that defensive cover. It’s the midfield energy that made Liverpool so consistent.”
Defensive line exposed under Slot
Under Slot, Liverpool have been pressing higher and maintaining a more aggressive defensive line — a decision that has invited problems. While the approach mirrors the tactical bravery that once defined Jürgen Klopp’s most successful years, the personnel behind the press are struggling to execute it.
Against Brentford, both van Dijk and Konate looked vulnerable when faced with direct passes. Keith Andrews’ side exploited that vulnerability ruthlessly, targeting the space behind Liverpool’s high line. Mistimed challenges, positional lapses, and a lack of communication between the centre-backs compounded the issue, making the Reds appear second-best across large spells of the game.
This defensive instability has been a theme of Liverpool’s Premier League campaign. Even when victories have arrived in Europe, such as the recent win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League, domestic performances have remained fraught with inconsistency.
Slot’s challenge deepens ahead of key fixtures
Slot’s next test comes in the League Cup, where his side will host Crystal Palace — a team that has already beaten Liverpool twice this season in both the league and Community Shield. The fixture offers little respite, with Aston Villa looming shortly after in another crucial Premier League clash.
Both Palace and Villa possess the physicality and directness to exploit Liverpool’s defensive frailties once more. If adjustments are not made swiftly — particularly in midfield structure and defensive organisation — Slot’s debut season risks unravelling before the turn of the year.
The Dutchman’s intent to modernise Liverpool’s system is clear, but the execution has been far from seamless. Until balance is restored between midfield energy and defensive discipline, the problems Richards identified may continue to define their campaign.
