Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol has made critical observations regarding the current performance of the Reds. He highlights a significant need for a change in positioning for one of the team’s players amidst their recent struggles.
Reds Legend Urges Arne Slot to Redefine Liverpool Star’s Position
Liverpool has experienced an unusual slump, suffering four consecutive defeats across all competitions. The last time the club faced such a downfall was in November 2014. Under the management of Arne Slot, the squad, which has seen substantial investment this summer, is grappling with cohesion issues.
Tactical Changes Suggested by Nicol
Nicol proposes a bold alteration to the team’s defense by suggesting Conor Bradley should take over the left-back position. He criticizes Milos Kerkez, who has received negative evaluations for his performances in recent matches, emphasizing that this change is essential to restore stability.
- Conor Bradley should be placed at left-back.
- Milos Kerkez has been underperforming, affecting team trust.
- Andy Robertson is currently unfit to start.
Nicol expressed his view to ESPNFC, stating, “The back four is a bit of a shambles. Trust is a significant issue. Kerkez is impacting the team negatively.” He clarified that Bradley’s primary responsibility should be defensive, allowing him to support Cody Gakpo on the left flank without venturing too far forward.
Additional Player Recommendations
In addition to Bradley, Nicol suggests the inclusion of Jeremie Frimpong on the right, arguing that his infectious energy could provide a much-needed spark for the struggling squad. He believes Frimpong’s presence would uplift the team’s morale at this critical juncture.
Despite ongoing calls to bench Mohamed Salah, Nicol believes Salah merits continued playtime. He acknowledges the necessity of starter Hugo Ekitike against Manchester United and insists that Gakpo must also be part of the starting lineup. He stresses that Salah’s contributions earlier in the season warrant a chance to regain form.
Upcoming Matches
Liverpool is set to continue its UEFA Champions League campaign, facing Eintracht Frankfurt on October 22. Fans can catch the match on the TNT Sports Prime Video channel.
As the season progresses, these proposed changes could be vital in turning around Liverpool’s current fortunes.
