ESPN pundit Steve Nicol has expressed his opinion, asserting that the defensive abilities of Liverpool stars Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kostas Tsimikas are not good enough.
Despite Jurgen Klopp’s team holding a favourable position in the league table, currently surpassing Manchester City and trailing league leaders Arsenal by only two points, their defensive performances have been less than convincing, according to Nicol, who places responsibility on Alexander-Arnold and Tsimikas for this issue.
What Has ESPN Pundit Said About Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kostas Tsimikas?
Questions about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s defensive capabilities have lingered for an extended period. Steve Nicol has now brought his Liverpool teammate, Kostas Tsimikas, into this ongoing discourse.
The commendation directed at Jurgen Klopp’s team is well-deserved, securing the second position in the Premier League with just one loss in 14 games.
Despite this, the spotlight on the Reds’ defense intensified after their tumultuous 4-3 victory over Fulham at Anfield on Sunday. The chatter surrounding Liverpool’s defensive performance gained momentum.
Conceding three goals at home is suboptimal, especially when facing a team like Fulham, who had only managed to score 13 goals in the Premier League throughout as many games before the encounter on Sunday.
When questioned about his agreement with Craig Burley’s evaluation that Liverpool lacks defensive prowess, Nicol responded on ESPN FC: “I do agree because right now, Alexander-Arnold and Tsimikas are not good defenders.
“If you’ve got half of your back four who are not good defenders, it shouldn’t really be a surprise that you’re giving up chances and goals.”
Liverpool Need a New Defensive Midfielder
Liverpool boast the second-best defensive record in the Premier League this season, conceding only 14 goals. Nevertheless, this statistic can be deceptive.
The team has been allowing numerous scoring opportunities, primarily due to the absence of a proficient defensive midfielder. The lack of a solid presence in this position has facilitated opponents in penetrating Liverpool’s defense, providing them with ample chances to score.
Securing a high-caliber number six in the upcoming January transfer window could significantly enhance Liverpool’s defensive capabilities.
This strategic move has the potential to make them a more formidable force, mitigating vulnerabilities associated with players like Alexander-Arnold and Tsimikas.
In other Liverpool news: What Jurgen Klopp Need to Do to Get the Best Out His World-class Liverpool Player