Alan Shearer says Joel Matip’s performance during Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat to Wolves on Saturday was ‘not acceptable’, as he told Match of the Day.
The Premier League’s all-time top-scorer added that Matip had a ‘nightmare’, as he also slammed the performances of Thiago Alcantara, Naby Keita, Andy Robertson and Joe Gomez.
It’s repeat after repeat from Jurgen Klopp’s men!
Brentford, Brighton, Wolves at Anfield in the FA Cup, Old Trafford away, Arsenal away or Manchester City in the League Cup, you name it this season, even Fulham on the opening day.
Whoever Liverpool face, top of the league, strugglers, in the Premier League, or domestic cup. There is struggle after struggle, but most worryingly, there is no sign of stopping.
It’s a huge worry for those on Merseyside and their chances of making Europe this term, as Shearer didn’t hold back in his criticism.
“You have time to pick your pass, no pressure on the ball, it’s too easy,” said Shearer. “Gomez is out of position. Look at Matip, you have time to pick your pass and put it in behind. Matip stops. I mean, he is on his way over there to close them and he stops. I don’t know what he’s doing. He had a nightmare.
“Then, all of a sudden (the ball is in the back of the net for the opening goal) and it’s a little bit unlucky with that (the ball hitting him and going in). But again, one simple pass out. They have gone past the three midfielders. You are in the back four, into the final third, causing them problems.
“This is the second goal, ball in. No closing down. Why doesn’t Robertson close them down?! Which he should do. Why doesn’t Keita close them down?! Then, you can take a touch and put the ball in the middle and you get punished. 2-0 down after 11 or 12 minutes.
“Matip, again. Not acceptable. Not good enough,” added Shearer about the £200k-a-week Liverpool man (Spotrac). “That should be in the back of the net (Nunes’ one-v-one chance) – when the ball goes through (for Wolves’ third), the reaction or lack of reaction from Thiago when he’s chasing Neves. He can see Neves, but he doesn’t even try to stop him. It’s a brilliant goal from Wolves.”
WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?
It’s none other than the Merseyside derby next for the Reds and it’s a game that probably suits Everton, at this moment in time.
Sean Dyche has won his opening match in charge, beating the Premier League leaders Arsenal.
That previously struggling Everton defence is going to look forward to playing against the likes of Matip, Thiago and Gomez, depending on who Klopp picks.
Form-wise, they are all over the shop and, even if they do win in eight days’ time, it’s going to be a real struggle.
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