New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has been told he must urgently address the real issue at the heart of his defence if the club is to mount a successful Premier League campaign.
The Reds endured a difficult defensive campaign last term, leaking 53 goals in the top flight, their highest tally in a single thirty-eight game Premier League season.
This defensive instability contributed to a fifth-place finish and the departure of Arne Slot, leaving Iraola with a significant rebuilding job.
Former England winger Chris Waddle has expressed concern over Liverpool’s current defensive options, especially following the departure of Ibrahima Konate to Real Madrid on a free transfer and the knee injury keeping young defender Giovanni Leoni out of action.
“Andoni Iraola has done a marvellous job, nobody can question what he achieved at Bournemouth,” said Waddle.
“He likes to play on the front foot and, as a good tactician, he prefers an attacking style that suits the way Liverpool play and what their fans want to see. I think they crave excitement, they want to see the team attacking.
“I think he will definitely do that, but are the players good enough? Will he be allowed to bring in new players? Will Virgil van Dijk be playing this season?
“Last year, while many pointed to tactics, I believe the real issue was the middle of the defence. If they can strengthen that, there’s no reason why Liverpool can’t challenge again this season.
“Van Dijk obviously still has a big influence on the Liverpool squad, so you might keep him for another year and use him in specific games. But again, if he’s performing well, you play him. But I just think that central position is the key issue for Liverpool.
“He’s not going to get any quicker. He’s always read the game well and has always been technically sound. But when you lose that yard of pace, it’s difficult in the Premier League. The league is so quick. I thought that last year, regardless of who his centre-half partner was, they struggled.”
With the transfer window open, Iraola is under pressure to secure further defensive reinforcements to ensure his squad has the depth and resilience required to compete for silverware on multiple fronts.