Liverpool‘s 3-2 defeat against Brentford has sparked significant concern among pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards. Their defensive record has come under intense scrutiny, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate singled out as ‘terrible’. The Reds have fallen to seventh in the Premier League table. Pressure is mounting to address the defensive issues urgently.
Alan Shearer criticizes Virgil van Dijk after Liverpool defeat
Liverpool began the season strongly with five consecutive Premier League wins. However, four defeats have followed. They now trail leaders Arsenal. Something must change if they are to mount a title challenge.
Alan Shearer and Micah Richards have criticized Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate. Shearer described the Dutchman as “all over the place” and “terrible” against Brentford. Virgil van Dijk has been the Premier League’s best centre-back for the past decade. However, his form has dipped recently.
Speaking on The Rest is Football, Shearer stated that Liverpool are bad all over the pitch. He highlighted the lack of protection from midfield and the lack of connection between the attacking signings. Shearer emphasized that the two centre-backs have been terrible.
“But they are so bad all over the pitch. And I mean, say what you want about them in midfield — the lack of protection — or up front, the lack of connection between their signings.
“But defensively, oh my word.
“I mean, Van Dijk and Konate. The two fullbacks have had a lot of stick and a lot of criticism, and I understand that, and I get that. But the two centre-backs? They are all over the place.
“They’ve been terrible. And they were at Brentford — they were awful, both of them, I mean, Van Dijk and Konate, weren’t they?”
Micah Richards weighs in on Liverpool’s defensive woes
Micah Richards agreed with Shearer’s assessment. Richards said that Virgil van Dijk needs help. He pointed out that in previous seasons, Van Dijk often bailed out the team. Now, he needs Ibrahima Konate to bail him out, but that’s not happening.
Richards continued: “Yeah, they were [awful]. And I think what we’re seeing now is Van Dijk needs help.
“How many times in previous seasons has Van Dijk bailed them out? You look at partnerships and we’ve always talked about Van Dijk and how good he is.
“He needs Konate to bail him out at the moment, and that’s not happening. So you can’t have two centre halves not playing well at the same time.”
Ibrahima Konate’s poor start to the season has exacerbated Liverpool’s defensive issues. Without Virgil van Dijk covering, the failure to sign Marc Guéhi is more apparent.
Liverpool’s defensive statistics under Jurgen Klopp
Wayne Rooney has already criticized Virgil van Dijk for his mistakes this season. Liverpool’s defense has been unusually leaky. This marks a departure from the norm since Alisson and Virgil van Dijk transformed their defense.
Liverpool have already conceded 14 goals in the Premier League. This is the joint-highest in the top half, level with Manchester United. This equates to a projected 59 goals conceded over the season.
Liverpool have never conceded 50 goals in any full campaign under Klopp. Conceding around 59 goals would mark Liverpool’s worst defensive Premier League campaign. Something must change quickly.
Arne Slot faces a major challenge as he seeks to address Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities. The performances of key players like Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate will be crucial. Finding solutions is essential to reviving Liverpool’s title aspirations and improving their standing in the Premier League.
