It has been another difficult time for Liverpool in the Premier League after their loss to Brentford.
The Reds have now lost four games in a row this season, with the devastating 3-2 loss to the Bees indicative of how Arne Slot’s side have played throughout these opening top-flight fixtures.
They once again struggled to defend a team that has been known for their long throws and long balls over the top of the opposition defence, but it seemed Slot’s side were incapable of defending just that.
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Where they have let themselves down this season in terms of general play is evidently the physicality of the game, with many Liverpool players losing possession very easily and being unable to take on an opposing player.
One star who has found it difficult to cope in those scenarios is Conor Bradley, with the Northern Irish star caught out early in the first half, which led to him conceding a throw-in and, in turn, the opening goal.
Jack Grealish and Conor Bradley battle
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Jamie Carragher highlights physicality as a problem for Conor Bradley and Liverpool
The difference from last season’s squad in this department is truly a world apart as there were players like Alexis Mac Allister who could hold their own and push around opposition to prevent attacks.
This is something that even Jamie Carragher believes that not only Bradley is struggling with, but the team as a whole, as he used the home side’s first goal as an example.
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Speaking on Sky Sports Extra Time, the former Reds defender focused on the reasons why the 22-year-old is unable to deal with those situations despite still being a quality right-back.
Carragher explained: “Conor Bradley. Now, he’s not the biggest player in the world or the quickest or the most powerful man on the pitch. So, what happens is he gets far too tight at times to opposition players and really aggressive because I don’t think he’s confident enough in his physicality, and that’s why he gets so many yellow cards.
“So, he gets tight and that means the space in behind and then he can’t cope with the ball over the top and that all comes from maybe a lack of strength initially to deal with the physical challenge.
“Liverpool don’t deal with it as well. So, we’re talking about the lack of physicality from Conor Bradley, your right back. And this is twice now already this season. We’ve seen Kerkez again, who’s not the biggest, getting caught out at the back post.
“That’s something I think Liverpool have got to look at going forward, the actual physicality and height in the team, because right now I don’t think they’ve got enough of it.”
Liverpool need to make slight changes for a stronger team
It is clear that while the right-back is having a difficult time with that side of the game, Milos Kerkez is also finding it very tricky to get around.
While there are clearly signs of his effort on display, the Hungarian cannot consistently be a strong force down the flank.
This could be the time for Andy Robertson to step back in as a more regular starter, because while you will almost certainly lose the pace of Kerkez, you gain the experience and strength of the Scotsman.
It may even help the 21-year-old, as he can be brought on to make an impact and then get back into his groove as a regular starter.
For Bradley, there is not enough depth in his position to give him less game time. The best option is Joe Gomez, but there is always an injury risk there.