“A Real Problem For Liverpool”- Michael Owen Says Iraola Desperately Needs Upgrades In 2 Key Positions
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Ex-Liverpool striker Michael Owen says the two fullback positions are a “real problem” for head coach Andoni Iraola.
The Reds have struggled to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson, and Owen thinks his former club will have to address the issue sooner rather than later:
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“The full-back position is a real problem for Liverpool, and it pains me to say that. A handful of years ago they had the best full-backs in the world, in Trent and Robbo, it was just unbelievable, the numbers they were posting and how well they were playing.”
“It was a really strong position and all of a sudden it has been ripped up, and it is a real problem. I do like Conor Bradley, but his injury record is there for all to see, and Frimpong doesn’t appear to be a defender, he looks more an advanced player.”
“Tsimikas is not good enough to start every week, and Kerkez has struggled since being there. He looks nervous and lost in the red shirt, and it looks heavy on him. I think the two full-backs are a problem.”
Owen has hit the nail on the head
There has been a lot of focus on the likes of Florian Wirtz and the midfield in general, but the lack of creativity from the club’s fullbacks hasn’t been discussed to the same extent.
As Owen points out, Frimpong is not comfortable in a back four, and it is still bewildering that the club thought that a specialist wingback could replace Trent.
On the opposite flank, Kerkez has looked far from convincing. Another former Reds player, Danny Murphy, has suggested that the club may be “too big” for the Hungarian international.
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Will Liverpool sign reinforcements in January?
Iraola appears to be content to play Ronald Araujo on the right-hand side for now, and with Conor Bradley expected to return from a knee injury before the end of the year, adding another right-back may not be deemed as urgent.
However, you can see a new left-back being brought in. After hooking Kostas Tsimikas at halftime against Fulham, it appears Iraola would like another option for that position. Reports in Spain have mentioned there is some interest in Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde.
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