Craig’s Column: Liverpool’s Senior Players Let Us Down, And Szoboszlai Is Becoming A Problem

The full picture

Kickjolly · AI-written · automatically reviewed · Anfield Agenda ↗

Liverpool's senior players were criticized for their performance against Arsenal, with Alisson and Virgil van Dijk singled out for their roles in Arsenal's goal. Alisson took an unnecessary risk on a goal kick, putting his teammates in trouble, while Van Dijk failed to intercept the ball that led to the goal, reportedly due to concerns about an own goal. The author is calling for uncomfortable conversations about their performances. The criticism is based on the view that reputation cannot protect players from scrutiny.

Liverpool's young player Nyoni impressed against Arsenal, completing 53 of 55 passes and making 14 line-breaking passes in 59 minutes. The author believes Nyoni deserves a regular starting place due to his intelligent positioning and ball movement, which gives Liverpool balance. In contrast, Szoboszlai's introduction was seen as making the team noticeably worse, raising questions about his role in Iraola's midfield structure.

The author is disappointed with Liverpool's attacking performance, noting 17 shots with none on target. The team failed to stretch the pitch, create overloads, or force Arsenal's defenders into difficult situations. The author believes the expensive attacking talent has to deliver and take responsibility, citing players like Wirtz, Barcola, Isak, and Gakpo as not being good enough.