Liverpool were not at their best in the dramatic 1-0 Merseyside Derby victory against Premier League rivals Everton on Sunday
Once the wild celebrations died down and Liverpool fans had a chance to sleep on their stunning, last-gasp 1-0 win against Everton in Sunday’s Merseyside derby, questions should perhaps be asked about the rather pedestrian nature of the hosts’ display at Anfield.
In fact, Everton were arguably the better side for spells with Andre Gomes, Richarlison and Yerry Mina all missing excellent chances before Divock Origi capitalised on that bizarre Jordan Pickford error in stoppage time.
Now, Liverpool’s central midfield has come under fire in some sections of late for a perceived lack of creativity and the dearth of cutting edge was once again clear for all to see at the weekend.
And, speaking on Sky Sports (2 December, 4pm), former Reds captain Graeme Souness has questioned two of Jurgen Klopp’s players in particular, one of whom started against their neighbours from across Stanley Park.
“I think a lot of the problems come from midfield. I think if you go back to the summer, (Klopp) signed two midfield players and wanted a third one – Nabil Fekir from Lyon – and I’m not sure if Fabinho and Naby Keita are an upgrade on what he’s already got,” Souness said.
“Last year, the midfield of James Milner, Georginio Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson were winning it early and getting forward early and the three strikers were off raiding and causing havoc. Now, it is a little bit more pedestrian, they’re winning it but there’s an extra touch or pass.”
Fabinho has added muscle and protection to a newly reinforced Liverpool defence but he is hardly the most adventurous of midfielders. But it seems far too early for Souness to write off Keita considering the former RB Leipzig star has struggled with injuries since his arrival.
The 23-year-old scored 14 goals and assisted 13 more in his two Bundesliga seasons for Leipzig.
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