Liverpool boss warned he must ‘fix their defence’.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp
This season’s title race appears as open as ever, with five teams separated by two points at the top of the table.
Among them are Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, who have aspirations to get back into the Champions League and even compete for first place.
Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino in action with West Bromwich Albion’s Allan Nyom
At the weekend they strengthened their case with a hard fought 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion, but BBC pundit Garth Crooks says he is worried their defence will be their undoing.
Commenting to BBC Sport, Crooks warned that manager Jurgen Klopp will be neglecting his duties if he cannot provide the attacking talent at the club with a defence good enough to back them up.
He said: “What we are seeing now is a vibrant Liverpool being lead by a Brazilian who they must wrap in cotton wool. Coutinho makes Adam Lallana, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Georginio Wijnaldum all buzz.
“If manager Jurgen Klopp can fix his defence in time for the second half of the season Liverpool could be serious title contenders. To allow it to drift would be a dereliction of duty.”
Liverpool have only conceded once in their past two games, shutting out Manchester United at Anfield.
Crooks’ concerns are somewhat overblown considering Liverpool’s 11 goals conceded is only two more than Arsenal and Manchester City, although the real standard is set by Tottenham – who have allowed only four past them in the Premier League.
Liverpool’s Loris Karius
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