John Arne Riise admitted on talkSPORT that Liverpool’s lack of depth is a major worry that could cost Jurgen Klopp in the Premier League title race with Chelsea and Manchester City.
The Reds entered the international break after losing at West Ham United on Sunday to slip to fourth-place. Trailing Thomas Tuchel’s Blues by four-points after the opening 11 games.
West Ham dealt Liverpool their first defeat of the term to overtake Klopp’s men into third-place. Despite the Anfield natives boasting the division’s best offence, with 31 goals scored.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain started in central midfield at the London Stadium, as Liverpool continue to deal with injuries in the role. Klopp was without Naby Keita (hamstring), James Milner (hamstring), Curtis Jones (eye), Harvey Elliott (ankle) and Thiago Alcantara (calf).
Liverpool depth concerns Riise, after Klopp summer call on Wijnaldum
Riise notes Klopp’s decision not to replace Georginio Wijnaldum when his contract expired in June sparked early concerns over Liverpool’s lack of depth heading into the season.
Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah leaving Anfield for the Africa Cup of Nations also worries the Anfield hero. As Riise expects the Premier League title will be decided in January.
“I was a little bit worried in the beginning because I didn’t think we replaced Wijnaldum, who I think was extremely important for Liverpool,” Riise said.
“But then, in the beginning, I thought we played exceptionally well. I’m really concerned about the depth in the squad. I don’t think they have the top, top, top-class players.
“Like last season, when we lost [Virgil] Van Dijk and then a few other players, you can see we struggled, and I’m scared it could be the same again this year.
“[Players] could be injured, suspension, [or missing for the] Africa Cup of Nations, when we lose some players. I’m a little bit worried that’s when the title is going to be decided.
“I don’t think we are strong enough – depth-wise – to compete in the long run with Manchester City or Chelsea.”
Are Riise’s concerns fair?
Klopp will face a major headache in the winter when Liverpool are without Salah and Mane for the AFCON. They are the Reds’ top scorers in the Premier League so far this season with 10 and six goals each.
Salah is also the Merseysiders’ lead playmaker with seven assists in 11 appearances. Only Trent Alexander-Arnold (4) has also offered more than Jordan Henderson’s two.
Welcoming some of Liverpool’s injured players back will go a long way to easing Klopp’s midfield problems – and Riise’s concerns.
But the German will have to find answers for the attacking output the Reds will lose if they are to battle Chelsea and Man City for the title.
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