John Barnes has told talkSPORT that Thiago Alcantara is ‘slowing’ the game down for Liverpool.
The England and Anfield legend believes Liverpool’s current system is ‘not working’ as Jurgen Klopp has had to deal with a makeshift XI.
Jordan Henderson and Fabinho have had to slot in at the back, whilst Thiago partnered Gini Wijnaldum and Xherdan Shaqiri in the middle of the park during Liverpool’s goalless draw against Manchester United on Sunday.
Whilst Barnes lauded Thiago for his first-half display at Anfield, he shares why there is a problem with the 29-year-old summer signing.
“Thiago, who was running the game in the first half, who was the best player in the first half,” said Barnes. “I don’t think that necessarily helps the front three.
“Liverpool when you have your Henderson’s and your Fabinho’s who just get the ball forward and are much more direct for our free and strong running strikers to get on the ball and go and attack.
“Thiago slows the game down. When you slow the game down in tight areas, that’s not Mane’s game and that’s not Salah’s game. We are getting used to a new system because, at the moment, it’s not working.”
This is just a small blip from Liverpool and it won’t be too long before their front three are destroying all before them once again.
If their struggles in front of goal continue then it will become a worry, but it does seem as though Klopp is finding it difficult to deal with the balance in his side.
Fabinho and Henderson’s aggression and combative style is missed further up the field, so the quicker Liverpool can bring in a centre-back, the better it will bode well for the rest of the team.
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