Liverpool`s new attacking signings are impressive, yet their defensive shortcomings cast a shadow over their Premier League title aspirations. Arne Slot`s summer squad overhaul has forged a high-intensity offense, but concerns about defensive stability persist.
Frimpong`s Offensive Prowess vs. Defensive Responsibility
A key figure, Jeremie Frimpong, enjoyed successful years at Bayer Leverkusen as an attacking wide player. In Xabi Alonso`s system, he rarely performed defensive duties, focusing instead on driving the ball forward. In the new Liverpool setup, his attacking intent is clear: he frequently finds himself in the opposition box, creating threats but leaving space behind. Ibrahima Konate, accustomed to covering for attacking right-backs, will again be tasked with this role, though Frimpong`s recovery pace is also notable. This tactical choice reopens the question: how adept must a defender be in attack to compensate for the defensive burden he places on his teammates?
On the opposite flank, Milos Kerkez also demonstrates attacking flair. His inverted runs in the first half created space in the left channel for Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike, confirming his forward-thinking tendencies. His active involvement in attacks led to Hugo Ekitike`s opening goal. When Frimpong and Kerkez are at their best in advanced areas, Liverpool creates numerical overloads, stretching the opponent`s defense. This is particularly effective with players like Ekitike, Gakpo, and Mohamed Salah, who are not tied to static positions.
The Cost of Attack: Defensive Vulnerabilities
However, these attacking surges create vulnerabilities during turnovers. For instance, in one sequence, Crystal Palace recovered the ball on their own half. Jean-Philippe Mateta drew Virgil van Dijk out of position, and a pass to Eberechi Eze bypassed the defender. While Kerkez barely managed to track back, Frimpong and defensive midfielder Curtis Jones were too far advanced, leaving the central defense exposed. Although Liverpool players eventually recovered, this episode highlighted how easily opponents can stretch their defense and create dangerous chances, leaving a center-back isolated against an attacker.
Liverpool`s own coach, Arne Slot, acknowledged that while the team is creating more chances and is more comfortable on the ball, they are also conceding more goals. Despite plenty of possession last season, it didn`t always lead to threatening situations. Now, the attack is more efficient, but defensive statistics are worrying: four goals conceded against AC Milan, one against a Japanese team, two against Athletic Club Bilbao, and two in the most recent match. Slot noted that the team needs “a little bit of adjustment defensively” because they concede many goals despite not always allowing the opponent to create many clear-cut opportunities.
Past Successes and Current Challenges
Previously, Liverpool achieved defensive solidity with attacking full-backs under Jürgen Klopp, where a more conservative midfield (Fabinho, Georginio Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson) provided structure and security. However, the current squad, particularly Dominik Szoboszlai, does not exhibit the same defensive discipline. Szoboszlai often loses the ball in central midfield, creating counter-attacking opportunities. The lack of aggressive pressing and tracking back from attacking players exacerbates these issues, leading to goals conceded when Salah and Gakpo fail to recover defensive positions.
Even with an attacking midfield and forward-thinking full-backs, these shortcomings could be mitigated by a frontline that actively works to win the ball back. However, Slot reduced the intensity of the press last season, with Liverpool`s final third recoveries per Premier League game dropping from six or seven to 4.4, ranking ninth in the division. Given Mohamed Salah`s age, his defensive contribution is unlikely to increase, and Gakpo is not as effective in pressing as prime Sadio Mane or Roberto Firmino. While Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike are known for their work rate off the ball, two players alone do not make a pressing system.
Investment Needed: Strengthening the Core
Thus, despite a scintillating attack, Liverpool faces significant defensive challenges. These issues are not insurmountable, especially with substantial financial resources. Following the departures of several key attacking players, Slot needs offensive reinforcement. However, the priority should be acquiring a top-tier defensive-minded midfielder who can alleviate pressure on Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister. Remaining funds could then be allocated to a central defender, such as Marc Guehi from Palace, and additional backup forwards.
Despite all the identified shortcomings, there are many promising aspects to this new Liverpool team. Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike appear to have seamlessly adapted to English football. Kerkez has shown an aptitude for attacking both on the underlap and the overlap. As long as Mohamed Salah maintains his form from last season, Liverpool`s attack will be one of the most potent in the league. Provided the central defenders receive a little more protection, the champions might just be unstoppable.
