Alan Pardew believes Liverpool’s defensive problems are due to Arne Slot dropping ‘brilliant’ star…

Alan Pardew asserts that Liverpool’s defensive issues stem from Arne Slot’s decision to bench a ‘brilliant’ player.

At the beginning of the new season, Liverpool has conceded an alarming number of goals.

The Reds are currently struggling, having suffered three consecutive losses, which has left many fans anxious as they prepare for their match against Manchester United on Sunday.

One of the primary problems being exploited by opposing teams is their defense, which appears significantly more vulnerable than in previous seasons, showing weaknesses every time they face an attack.

Liverpool has already allowed nine goals in the league, which is seven more than they conceded at this point last season, indicating a regression in this area.

Arne Slot certainly has much to contemplate, but Alan Pardew believes that these challenges originated when the Dutch manager decided to drop one of his most reliable players.

Alan Pardew feels that Arne Slot made a mistake by sidelining Andy Robertson.

The Reds experienced considerable changes across the pitch during the summer, but arguably, the most significant alterations have occurred in the full-back positions.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s transfer to Real Madrid and Andy Robertson’s demotion to second-choice have meant that two experienced players are no longer integral to the team’s structure.

This disruption has affected the team’s cohesion, compounded by the underwhelming performances of Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, which have contributed to the defensive struggles.

Pardew suggests that these changes could be the root cause of the issues, particularly noting that Robertson has been unfortunate to lose his starting position.

“Liverpool hasn’t really played one outstanding game, in my opinion,” he shared with talkSPORT.

“Slot has implemented numerous changes. They possess exceptional talent within the squad.

“The challenge will be finding the right balance. I believe the alterations in the full-back positions – especially with Andy Robertson performing exceptionally well for Scotland this week – have been problematic.

“They haven’t appeared as solid defensively.”

Andy Robertson should definitely start against Manchester United.

While it’s clear that Kerkez possesses significant talent, he has yet to find his footing and demonstrate it effectively.

His recent lackluster performance against Chelsea did not bolster his position, indicating that Slot may need to temporarily remove him from the pressure of the spotlight.

In the match against Manchester United, emotions can significantly influence the game, which may play to Robertson’s advantage given his experience in such encounters.

He managed to overcome an injury concern to play twice for Scotland this past week, performing well in both matches, which suggests that this could be an ideal opportunity for him to gain some playing time while allowing Kerkez to rest.