Liverpool have lost their balance in midfield and must try and replicate Arsenal’s recent success in that area, believes Reds legend John Barnes.
The Reds are going through a difficult period, with defeat to Brentford last time out leaving them sixth in the Premier League and seven points off a Champions League place.
They have been unfortunate with a number of injuries to big players like Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz, with Virgil van Dijk now joining them on the sidelines, but Barnes believes there is a wider problem.
The former England and Liverpool winger reckons Klopp Jurgen Klopp has tried to add a bit of creativity to his midfield this season, fielding the likes of Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho regularly.
While they are clearly talented youngsters, Barnes says they need time to develop and require a solid base behind them in midfield to do so. Something Arsenal have done well this season – riding high at the top of the table – but Liverpool have not.
‘Harvey and Carvalho are young and have to grow. Arsenal players went through a similar situation a few years ago so we have to protect them. I’m not concerned with the young players,’ Barnes told BonusCodeBets.
‘[Bukayo] Saka, [Gabriel] Martinelli and [Martin] Odegaard went through similar difficulties and look at them now.
‘Arsenal have got a much better balance now which allows them to attack so well.
‘To get the best out of Harvey, Liverpool have to defend better to allow him to attack.”
‘We are changing the way we play and we have more creativity in midfield which means when we haven’t got the ball teams are getting at us. We have to get that right balance.’
MORE : Liverpool fear Virgil van Dijk could miss seven matches including Real Madrid tie
MORE : Antonio Conte warned over ‘dangerous game’ at Tottenham by Liverpool legends
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
