Liverpool’s dreams for a new beginning in 2023 were dashed against Brentford. Then, when the issues persisted, anxiety overcame exhilaration in the FA Cup.
These problems not only persisted but worsened on Saturday against Wolves. The troubles are painfully evident, notwithstanding the fortunate factor in Hwang Hee-equalizer Chan’s on Saturday and an error from Alisson.
The assistant referee disallowed Toti Gomes’ potential winning goal, keeping the Reds’ FA Cup defense intact for the time being. There is a growing understanding among the fan base that they urgently want a midfielder.
The late arrival of Arthur Melo, following Jordan Henderson’s injury on the eve of Deadline Day, hasn’t gone as Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool had hoped, with the Brazilian spending the majority of his time at Anfield in the hospital.
But when questioned about a “missing” player at the beginning of the season, the German questioned the benefit of integrating a new player into the center of midfield.
“We can handle it. What’s the best place to begin? He spoke. Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Thiago, James Milner, Naby Keita, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Fabio Carvalho, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all mentioned.
“Now, tell me what sort of player we’re lacking. a 1.95m offensive player that enters the box to head balls in?
“Creativity? If we sign a player specifically for that purpose, Harvey, Curtis, and Fabio will immediately have extra challenges, he added. “We shouldn’t forget that Harvey Elliott was the best player in the first four games of last season. He was exceptional. He then suffered a serious wound. What a player Curtis Jones is. Fabio: You should consider what he accomplished at Fulham.
“Why should we introduce a youngster and tell him that he is the ninth midfielder? It is illogical. For the boys, you must leave the doors open.
The Reds possessed a wide range of midfield alternatives at the time, so the argument was genuine. It is impossible to prepare for injuries that occur during the season’s busiest time. The dependence on the squad has subsequently appeared to backfire.
The problems now arise at a time when the “aging” midfield argument is gaining traction among experts, making it harder to hide behind it. James Milner, Thiago, and Jordan Henderson are 32, 37, and 31 years old, respectively.
Following losses to Leeds United and Brentford, the Reds are being bemoaned with hurtful remarks, as was the case during Liverpool’s difficulties in the 2020–21 season. In light of the setback against the Bees, Jamie Carragher’s remarks depict the terrifying reality.
The choices of Jones, Elliott, and Carvalho offer a counterargument to the notion that the team is getting older since Klopp kept his word that he would leave the door open for these guys. However, when called upon, the youthful players were unable to close the gap at the base of the midfield, which is having trouble coordinating its efforts.
As a result, a once-solid, unyielding rearguard has now become weak, and teams are finding it too simple and easy to move from defense to attack.
Despite the mention of names like Matheus Nunes, Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice, it is unlikely that significant sums will be made available in January for additional additions after the purchase of Cody Gakpo.
But it’s become clear that Liverpool and Klopp may be forced into action in order to pay attention to the upheaval in the middle. It remains to be seen if it occurs this month or in the summer.