Liverpool’s tactical balance has come under intense scrutiny as structural flaws continue to expose Andoni Iraola’s side in transition. At the center of the debate are full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, who arrived for a combined £75m as long-term successors to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson. Both defenders built their reputations on explosive energy, relentless aggression, and high attacking intent, traits designed to provide vital width from deep. Yet a year into their tenure, their inability to deliver consistent defensive assurance or match the elite creative output of their predecessors has turned a former position of strength into a glaring weak spot.
The stark drop in quality on the ball has drawn blunt criticism from former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy, who declared the duo simply not good enough for a side harboring title ambitions. When opponents clog central channels, modern systems demand full-backs who can unpick low blocks with precise delivery and decisive final passes. While Kerkez and Frimpong offer baseline defensive competence, they’ve failed to mirror the relentless assist figures that defined the Alexander-Arnold and Robertson era. Former defender Richard Dunne echoed those concerns, pointing out how frequently Liverpool look vulnerable in open spaces when games become stretched. Without reliable width or defensive discipline on the flanks, Liverpool’s entire tactical structure breaks down in transition.
This lack of flank stability is creating a dangerous ripple effect right through the heart of Liverpool’s defense. With the midfield failing to sit and cover, Virgil van Dijk is routinely left isolated against dynamic counter-attacks. While Van Dijk remains an elite defender in many aspects, Dunne noted that asking him to extinguish every fire on his own is unsustainable, particularly as the Dutch captain isn’t as quick as he used to be. Paul Scholes went further, pointing out instances of sloppiness in Van Dijk’s game and arguing that Jaap Stam was the superior defender at his Old Trafford peak. Despite the rising concern, Iraola remains publicly steadfast. The Liverpool manager retains total confidence in his £40m full-back investment, insisting Kerkez possesses huge potential and will explode under his guidance, pushing back against doubts raised by former players Jamie Carragher and Murphy.
The accountability crisis isn’t isolated to the defensive unit either. Liverpool’s high-priced front line is facing equal heat after a dramatic 2-2 opening-weekend draw against Newcastle at St James’ Park. Attackers Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz came under severe fire from Gary Neville, who labeled the £200m attacking pair as the side’s biggest disappointments. Neville stressed that after receiving immense patience over the past year, the expensive duo can no longer enjoy a free ride. Their failure to make a meaningful impact in the final third during stretched, high-stakes encounters has put immediate pressure on Iraola to extract returns from his star-studded frontline.
Liverpool’s blueprint relies heavily on cohesion, but right now, the gap between expectations and reality on the pitch is stark. With over £275m invested across these challenged positions, Iraola faces an immediate tactical puzzle. The manager hasn’t panicked, but until his full-backs tighten their positioning and his frontline stars deliver tangible goal output, Liverpool will remain dangerously susceptible whenever an opponent matches their intensity. Finding defensive firmness without sacrificing wide width remains the team’s most urgent priority.
