It proved to be yet another poor week for Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers, as the players failed to relieve some of the pressure the Northern Irishman is under.
Liverpool’s disastrous start to the season is set to continue after a 1-1 draw against Norwich at Anfield this Sunday. Despite the return of Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho, Liverpool seemed toothless and failed to convert the few chances they had.
At times, Rodgers’ men looked bereft of ideas and struggled to break down Norwich, as the visitors sat deep and tried to counter.
The former Swansea manager did well to bring Sakho and Moreno back into the starting lineup and it did make a difference. The Spanish full back was the best player on the pitch and Sakho organised the backline pretty well.
Despite the draw, it was refreshing to see a change in terms of tactics and selection.
While Brendan continues to learn with regards to his team selection and tactics, here at Soccerlens we look at five Liverpool players who have underperformed massively and have contributed to Liverpool’s poor start.
Dejan Lovren
The former Southampton defender has been the first choice centre back for Brendan Rodgers. And just like last season, the Croatian has been disastrous at the back for Liverpool.
Almost every attack from the opposition seems like kryptonite to Rodgers’ superman, the player he once hailed as a “defensive rock”.
Mamadou Sakho is back in the side now and Liverpool fans will be hoping it stays like that.
James Milner
Apart from his impressive work rate, James Milner has done little since his move to Anfield this summer.
Most people seem to ignore his poor form due to the fact that the former Manchester City player arrived on a free. The England international has failed to fill the creative void left by Steven Gerrard and the injured Liverpool captain, Jordan Henderson.
Perhaps, using him in a move advanced role would help the player and the team. Milner’s energy could be crucial to Liverpool pressing in the opposition’s final third. Also, his ability to attack half space could be important for a Liverpool side that has struggled with creativity.
Martin Skrtel
Skrtel had a good game against Norwich, but the Slovakian has struggled since the start of the season. Paired with Lovren at the heart of the defence, Skrtel has been as bad as his partner at times.
Liverpool’s most senior centre back was shocking against West Ham and Manchester United.
Jordon Ibe
Perhaps it is unfair to expect too much from the England winger, but the 19 year old showed a lot of promise last season.
Ibe’s form and maturity probably convinced Rodgers to loan out Markovic. However, the Liverpool academy graduate seems out of his depth this season.
Ibe has been predictable, inconsistent and lacking in confidence so far. It would be beneficial for the player to spend some time outside of the first team picture. Can he turn it around? He certainly has the talent.
Emre Can
The highly rated German has been far from poor this season, but after a season of bedding in and the promise shown last season, Can has had a relatively average start to the season.
In the absence of Gerrard and Henderson, Can was expected to step up and control the Liverpool midfield. However, the former Leverkusen player is yet to demonstrate his outstanding ability and maturity so far this season.
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