The wheels have well and truly come off Jurgen Klopp’s high-octane juggernaut. For much of the campaign, the Reds looked likely to be Chelsea’s main Premier League title rivals, as their opponents simply couldn’t cope with the relentlessness of Liverpool.
However, since the turn of the year, Klopp’s men have mustered just one victory as they have slipped to fifth and out of the League Cup.
Where is it going wrong? Does Klopp have the personnel to turn things around? Here we pick our strongest Liverpool XI and evaluate where they need to improve most.
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Goalkeeper - Simon Mignolet
An obvious area for concern is the goalkeeping position. The well-documented struggles of Loris Karius have hindered the Reds at times - he made errors leading to a goal twice in successive games in December - but Simon Mignolet hasn’t exactly stepped up to the plate when called up.
A recent goalkeeper study by football agency GK1 Management concluded that Karius’s ‘shot response’ performance ranked 19th in the division. This is how well a goalkeeper deals with a shot - does he parry to safety, keep hold of the ball or palm it straight in front of him?
However, Mignolet didn’t fair particularly well in the same study either, with Karius adjudged to have faced more ‘difficult shots on average’. Despite this, it is Karius’s nervous disposition after being thrust into the limelight that sees him benched.
Defence - Nathaniel Clyne, Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren and James Milner
Defence has also been a troublesome area for Liverpool. Nathaniel Clyne has looked vulnerable defensively, but remains a threat on the counter, all while not hitting the heights of last season.
In the middle, Dejan Lovren has actually made more interceptions and blocks than any of his team-mates but, as was the case for much of last season, there is always an error not too far around the corner. The same can be said for Ragnar Klavan, who looked assured early on.
The calming influence comes via Joel Matip. One of the signings of the season in terms of value for money, the former Schalke man has the best pass success rate in the Reds’ ranks, and his absence in farcical circumstances was hard felt.
This season’s surprise package is James Milner. Only Jordan Henderson has made more tackles that the winger-turned-defender, and his attacking prowess, coupled with invaluable experience, has been be a real asset.
Midfield - Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, Adam Lallana
What gave Liverpool such fluidity earlier in the season was the fluidity and interchangeability of their midfield three. Marshalled by Henderson, who averages over ten passes per game more than any other Premier League player, Adam Lallana and Georginio Wijnaldum can venture forward at will - to varying degrees of success.
Lallana is in the form of his life, and has been one of Liverpool’s best players this season. No player has contributed to more league goals (seven scored and seven assisted). Played out of position with Phillippe Coutinho absent through injury, Lallana’s effectiveness was lessened, and the Reds suffered greatly.
Wijnaldum has shown glimpses of what he can do, but not consistently.
Henderson for all his influence can still do more, too. He has the passing range, but he can go missing when it really matters.
Emre Can hasn’t really offered a great deal, while Lucas’s best days are behind him.
Forwards - Sadio Mane, Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino
Defences couldn’t handle this trio early in the season. There are no set positions, they just roam free, and the results have been devastating.
Only five players have averaged more shots than Coutinho in the Premier League, but he has struggled since his injury.
Roberto Firmino - the most striker-like out of the front three, has offered real stellar showings at times, scored some stunning goals, like his effort against Swansea, but he has been the main protagonist of Liverpool’s recent form dip, having found the net just twice in his last ten appearances in all competitions.
Giving Lallana and Milner a run for their money for Liverpool’s player of the season so far is Sadio Mane. Ever since he bamboozled Arsenal’s defence on the opening day, Mane has looked every inch a £30m+ forward, with his electrifying pace and eye for goal pivotal to Liverpool’s early season form, and his absence due to international commitments is one of the main reasons for the Reds’ slump.
Divock Origi has impressed on occasion, but one hitman seems to be past his best far sooner than many expected. The effect of injury after injury has really taken its toll on Daniel Sturridge, who looks a shadow of his former self. His sprint stats suggest he has never been slower - with pace such a huge asset to Sturridge.
Verdict - The stats don’t lie, defensive issues need resolving, and fast
Liverpool allow, on average, the lowest amount of attempts at goal in the Premier League, but have the sixth best defence. Many of the times they have dropped points against lower ranking sides they have dominated possession, created a host of chances, but somehow come away with nothing - to put it simply, you don’t need to create many chances to come away with something against Liverpool.
A new goalkeeper surely has to be top of Klopp’s summer wish list. Arsene Wenger suggested Petr Cech was worth ten points to Arsenal last season, but the contrary is the case at Anfield. Neither Mignolet or Karius have proven themselves to be of sufficient calibre.
A great deal needs to be invested in the defence, too. Matip has been impressive, but there have been too many errors around him. The midfield just looks a little thin on the ground. The first-choice engine room is excelling, but from the bench, there is little quality.
In attack, the goals have been shared around, but Liverpool still lack that game-changer. Chelsea have Diego Costa and Tottenham Harry Kane. Sturridge is no longer the answer. It is a make-or-break few months for the England international.
