The Reds have been reliant on Hugo Ekitike for goals this season, while Florian Wirtz has carried an attacking threat in recent weeks, but John Barnes wants to see more across the team
13:51, 26 Jan 2026
Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz
John Barnes is worried Liverpool has become too dependent on Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike(Image: Getty Images)
John Barnes believes Liverpool will challenge for the Premier League title under Arne Slot in the coming years, despite the club’s issues this season.
The Reds have produced an underwhelming defense of their title and sit in sixth place after 23 games, 14 points behind Arsenal in first. Big questions are being asked about Slot’s suitability to continue as Liverpool head coach, especially with Xabi Alonso now available.
Liverpool put in another abject performance at the weekend, losing 3-2 to Bournemouth, its seventh league defeat of the season. It was a match that underlined the Reds’ recurring problems this season: a lack of creativity, defensive errors, being physically outmatched and conceding a late decisive goal.
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Despite that, Barnes feels that once Liverpool’s summer signings have fully acclimatised and gelled, the Reds will be competing near the league summit once again. He also feels Liverpool needs to see greater attacking returns being spread throughout the squad.
“This Liverpool team is more than capable,” the former winger told Covers.com. “They have a great manager and world-class players.
“Once they overcome this current phase and bond together a bit more as a team, they’ll be back challenging for the Premier League title.
John Barnes feels Liverpool can challenge for the title in the coming years
John Barnes feels Liverpool can challenge for the title in the coming years(Image: Getty Images)
“Liverpool, with a strong, established pattern of play, are very dangerous. They can be a real threat given the age and profile of the squad.
“For large parts of this season, Liverpool have relied on individuals like Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike,” Barnes added.
“They are doing individual things rather than working as a team together, which is what can happen when a team has so many talented players who were all the main players in their previous clubs.
“When that threat is shared throughout the squad, they can be nearly impossible to beat.”
Sadly for Liverpool, that threat has been sorely lacking with certain players this season. Record-signing Alexander Isak has netted just two league goals since joining from Newcastle United, and is currently unavailable due to injury.
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Mohamed Salah hasn’t scored in eight consecutive Liverpool matches and was disappointing at the Vitality this weekend.
Cody Gakpo has also come in for criticism at times this season, while Slot is reluctant to hand minutes to Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha.
It has led many to feel that the Reds need further attacking reinforcements in the summer.