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Liverpool’s Recent Performances: ‘Leggy’ or the Start of a Bigger Problem?

Liverpool have been an absolute joy to watch so far this season, but their recent performances against Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur raised some concerns. Not so much about the quality or the tactics being deployed by Arne Slot, but more over the possibility of fatigue creeping into the Reds’ season.

Who could forget Liverpool’s struggles in the second half of the season last year under Jurgen Klopp with the exact same squad. Perhaps that is where the anxiety amongst some supporters stem from.

Former Liverpool forward Emile Heskey spoke exclusively to Anfield Index about the recent performances and whether the club should be looking into the January transfer market…

‘Bigger Problems’

“I don’t think it’s any signs of a bigger problem,” began Heskey, “I just think it has been a bit leggy.”

“I think teams have also done heavy homework on Liverpool and will be coming up with solutions to frustrate them,” continued Heskey, “And I think that has been happening.”

Photo: IMAGO

The festive period has always been a tricky one, and the Reds have struggled against two decent sides, despite their own struggles this season. That’s also while competing in multiple competitions and playing a serious amount of games over the past couple of months, which Heskey was also keen to point out.

“I just think that they are a bit leggy because of the amount of games that they’ve played recently,” said Heskey.

However, that schedule isn’t going to get any easier for a little while from here, so perhaps delving into the transfer market could relieve some of the stress…

Transfer Plans

When asked if Liverpool should be looking to make signings this month, Heskey seemed to acknowledge the need for both extra depth and quality.

“A striker would be nice and possibly a defender,” began Heskey, “By a defender though, I mean a full-back. They could do with a bit more competition.”

There have been plenty of calls for Liverpool to sign a striker this month, enhanced by Darwin Nunez’s struggles this season, with just two goals and two assists in the Premier League. The likes of Alexander Isak, Victor Osimhen and Stefanos Tzimas have all been linked with a move to Anfield, but a deal this month for any of those players remain unlikely.

Photo: IMAGO

Unfortunately, that’s likely the same case in defence. Slot already has both Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas for the left-back role, as well as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley at right-back. Therefore, before bringing in another full-back, one would surely have to leave this month, which remains unlikely.

Looking Ahead

Liverpool continue their chaotic schedule as they face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Tuesday night, before another away trip to Brentford at the weekend. Regardless of whether the Reds are active in the transfer window, Slot needs to continue to get the very best of this current squad and push towards the title.

However, more rotation could be needed in comparison to the first half of the season, where the likes of Harvey Elliott and Wataru Endo were rarely used in the two main competitions.