LIVERPOOL LEFT BACK PROBLEMS CONTINUE

Liverpool started on a high this season in the English Premier League, defeating last term’s second-placed team 4-3.

However, they received their second shock of the intriguing season so far when they lost 2-0 to newly promoted side Burnley. The first was when Arsenal came back to 4-3 despite the Reds being 4-1 up, with the goals conceded being petty.

Many have questioned why coach Jurgen Klopp didn’t make plans for a replacement in the left back position, leaving on Alberto Moreno, despite the numerous additions this summer. When Liverpool played Arsenal, the lapse was noticeable so Klopp put veteran James Milner in the position in the Burnley affair. Moreno seems to be the only semblance that can manage the position as Milner was an epic fail, and it led to a little stutter as they begin the dream season. Klopp, Ian Ayre or other members of the transfer committee failed to get possible replacement all summer, causing a loss of three points and a drop in confidence levels.

Milner played the position to the best of his abilities; he gave it priority ahead of his penetrative runs and tackles. The game showed the reason Klopp is retaining him. The records show that Moreno created chances more than his counterparts in the whole of Europe. The early goal weighed them down, usurping their plans before they fell to another goal again.

Jordan Henderson wasn’t as good in the defensive role he played. He couldn’t beat defenders or help the team with his pace. He wasn’t anticipating potential runs from the opposition like a Lucas Leiva would have done. Giorgino Wijnaldum wasn’t still impressive and Daniel Sturridge flopped, leaving Klopp’s dramatic displays at best a comedy relief. The result against Burnley came when many said Liverpool could really win it this time. Even former Spurs player Jermaine Jenas claimed the Reds were a real force this season. However, there are still 36 games left for Liverpool to bounce back.