Why have Liverpool Underperformed this Season?

Cover Image - https://edition.cnn.com/2023/01/16/football/liverpool-demise-premier-league-spt-intl/index.html 

The 21/22 season had the potential to be one of, if not, the greatest ever season seen by a Premier League club. Liverpool fought on all fronts winning 2/4 major trophies available. While it is a rather successful season in achieving an FA Cup and League Cup triumph, there definitely could have been a sense of deflation with both team and fans. This is due to the fact they narrowly missed out on their second Premier League title to Man City - by only a point. Furthermore, they lost narrowly, 1-0, in the Champions League final to a Real Madrid side that produced many miracles. A quadruple would have ensured royalty status in football for this Liverpool side hence why it would be no surprise why deflation may have been felt in the Liverpool camp at the end of the season.

But nonetheless, going into the 22/23 season, Liverpool was definitely the favourites for all major trophies once more. They bolstered their attack with the signings of Nunez for a reported 80 million and talented youngster Carvalho. It could be seen that Firmino was no longer a consistent starter and the departure of Mane would certainly leave a hole on that left side. They had signed Luis Diaz on that left side last year and he was a talent, but not on the level Sadio Mane was. Thus, it was a no-brainer as to why Liverpool bolstered their attack going into this year.

However, Liverpool made a poor start to the season, opening day draw to Fulham, followed by another draw at Anfield to Crystal Palace. Summer signing, Nunez was also sent off in that home game versus Palace and questions were already being asked about his recruitment. They then faced a Man Utd side that looked like there was no improvement from their own disastrous 21/22 campaign. Many thought this would be another landslide victory for Liverpool. But they ended up losing 2-1 to United and ever since United didn't look back and built up their season. For Liverpool, the hole Mane left was being felt and an even more pressing issue had finally more focal point.

Since Coutinho left in 2018, Liverpool has not had a creative 10 play for them. This was mainly because Firmino would play a CF role and be the creator for the two wide players - Salah and Mane. It was unstoppable to play them in their prime, a front 3 worthy of being Premier League legends. Although Firmino's form started to dip over the years, Salah and Mane remained relatively consistent in their performances. This was noticeable in the 20/21 season - injuries played a huge part in that season but Firmino's form was very inconsistent. Liverpool struggled that season, a creative midfielder was not brought into the club. Although Diogo Jota from Wolves was brought and managed to make a good impact, the midfield lacked a real creator yet again.

Many could argue that the signing of Thiago from Bayern was the 'creative' solution, but his injury record was poor and he took some time to adjust. But once he did adjust, in the 21/22 season you could see the difference he made to that Liverpool side - the year they almost won the quadruple. I once again elude to his injury record - it is alarming and has been noticeable again this season as well as his form has taken a dip. In addition, the form of the majority of the player has been poor, especially Fabinho and Van Djik.

Liverpool's midfield consists of Thiago, Keita, Fabinho, Milner, Henderson, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliot, Arthur Melo and Bajcetic. While Henderson is the club captain, his form has been very poor and is ageing as well. Milner is a reliable sub but once again is ageing and not Liverpool's solution. Keita was a big-money signing and probably one of the only signings Klopp failed to develop. Elliot and Curtis Jones are young but put in average performances which Liverpool as a club can't accept week in and week out. Thiago, on his day, is world-class - only one at Liverpool but has a poor injury record and is ageing. Fabinho, this season could just be a dip in form but has been worrying but is very reliable when in form. Arthur was signed on loan but has hardly played. Bajcetic is a young player and has shown promise at high levels from time to time. Klopp could certainly develop him well but I do not expect him to be a starter anytime soon.

Thus, it is clear to see a huge revamp is needed in that midfield. No wonder, Liverpool has been a strong admirer of Jude Bellingham. He is a box-to-box and is a perfect replacement for Thiago and Henderson. I believe Fabinho has the potential to recover his form hence I think a defensive midfielder should not be a priority for Liverpool. A box-to-box (number 8) and a creative 10 are a must in terms of recruitment for Liverpool. While Bellingham is the perfect profile for their number 8 position, the signing looks unlikely as Champions League football is looking very slim for them next season. Hence other young midfielders should be looked at who have experience and potential to be world-class - the level of player Liverpool must look at for success.

Moving onto the creative solution - while Liverpool tends not to play with an attacking midfielder, I believe that a change of tactics is needed for Klopp. The role Firmino played is difficult for strikers in the modern day. The signing of Gakpo was an indication of a change but his form like Nunez has been inconsistent. Although, Gakpo seems more comfortable in the Firmino role than Nunez. But I believe both of those players are much better out wide on the left. I can see a good future for Gakpo at Liverpool, as for Nunez, I feel his profile is not what Liverpool needs in the current system. He is a proven goalscorer and has decent numbers this season but has been more wasteful than clinical. And I believe next season, if conversion rate doesn't improve - it could be the final straw for him at the club. But if Liverpool plays with an attacking midfielder, it could play to Nunez and Gakpo's strengths more often which is runs in behind. It could then be possible for Nunez and Gakpo to start together and play interchanging roles from ST to LW. This is of course dependent on the form of Luis Diaz, who will presumbly take that LW spot once fully fit and if Klopp decides to play with an attacking midfielder next season.

Trent has also been playing a role exercised by Arsenal, City and United. Originally a Right-Back, in the game his position moves more inside into the midfield. Prior to this season, Trent had a very poor season, but he has seemed to find a balance playing this role as his attacking prowess is more visible. His defence qualities do make him a liability to the Liverpool defence, hence a right-back should be looked into while a future in midfield for Trent looks more likely than ever.

Thus, it is clear to see that a fresh midfield should be the priority for Liverpool next season. Also, the form of Van Djik and Fabinho must be closely watched next season as well. Their form has been staggeringly poor this year but I expect a bounce back from the two players. If not, a defender and defensive midfielder must be looked into for the future but as of now, it is not a pressing matter.

Overall it is clear to see that the midfield has caused Liverpool quite a few issues for Liverpool this season. While injuries and form have also been key factors to their failures, a midfield revamp is as noticeable as a contribution to their downfall this year. It will be a trophyless season for Liverpool and if the owners do not back Klopp for next season - it could be a worrying few years at Liverpool.