A shadow hangs over Anfield. Liverpool, once a fortress of defensive resilience, is now grappling with a troubling decline, a stark contrast to the dominance of recent years. Four consecutive Premier League losses and a mere single win in their last seven matches have ignited a firestorm of scrutiny, and the finger of blame is pointing, controversially, towards the heart of their defense.
The early season’s deceptive luck – those snatched victories clinging on by a thread – has vanished, revealing a deeper, more systemic issue. Currently eighth in the league, ten points adrift of Arsenal, Liverpool’s struggles aren’t simply a matter of misfortune; they’re a breakdown in the very foundations of their success. The once-impenetrable backline is leaking goals at an alarming rate.
While Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate have remained a constant pairing at center-back, the full-back positions have become a revolving door. The arrival of Milos Kerkez was intended to fill the void left by Andrew Robertson, but the left-back has struggled to adapt. On the right, a constant shuffle between Dominik Szoboszlai, Conor Bradley, and Jeremie Frimpong has failed to establish a settled presence, creating a critical lack of defensive cohesion.
This instability forces Van Dijk and Konate to constantly cover vast spaces, stretching the defensive line and leaving them vulnerable. Full-backs caught out of position, a midfield unable to consistently shield the defense – the cracks are widening with each passing game. Kerkez, despite showing promise previously, appears overwhelmed by the demands of his new role.
But the criticism isn’t solely focused on individual errors. A disturbing pattern has emerged: visible frustration from Van Dijk directed towards Kerkez during matches. Shouts, angry gestures, a public display of discontent that, according to ESPN pundit Craig Burley, is actively undermining the young player’s confidence. “He is really throwing him under the bus,” Burley stated, “draining his confidence with his gesticulating in front of the crowd.”
The numbers paint an even bleaker picture. Liverpool’s goals conceded per game have surged by a staggering 44% compared to last season, climbing from 1.08 to a worrying 1.56. This isn’t a statistical blip; it’s a dramatic regression, a clear indication that the defensive structure is fundamentally flawed.
Expected Goals Against (xGA) further exposes the depth of the problem. While luck can explain a deflected shot or a momentary lapse in concentration, xGA reveals the quality of chances being conceded. Liverpool are consistently allowing opponents to create high-quality scoring opportunities, suggesting a systemic weakness that goes beyond individual mistakes.
Even Van Dijk’s individual statistics reveal a player under pressure. While still dominant in the air, his tackles and blocks per 90 minutes have decreased, indicating he’s being exposed more frequently. His tackle percentage rank is significantly lower than in his prime, a clear sign that the defensive line ahead of him isn’t providing adequate protection.
For Kerkez, the statistics confirm a difficult transition. A lower pass completion rate and a higher frequency of being dribbled past highlight his struggles to adapt to the intensity and demands of the Premier League. He’s becoming a focal point for opposition attacks, and, it appears, a target for his own captain’s ire. The situation at Anfield is rapidly becoming critical, a test of leadership and resilience as Liverpool attempt to salvage their season.
