Szoboszlai And Gravenberch Must Earn Their Liverpool Places Again

I woke up on Thursday morning hoping I’d feel a little bit better about Liverpool’s defeat to Fenerbahce.

I didn’t.

I’ve watched Liverpool lose plenty of football matches over the years. Losing 3-2 away from home in the Champions League, taken in isolation, isn’t the end of the world.

But the manner of that defeat still bothers me.

We led twice. We conceded three entirely preventable goals from set pieces. And once again, when the pressure came on, too many of our experienced players failed to stand up and be counted.

What makes it even more frustrating is that some of our youngest players are doing exactly what we’re asking of the senior professionals.

Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha have been an absolute breath of fresh air.

And I’m starting to wonder why Liverpool are paying certain players enormous wages when two youngsters are showing them how it’s done.

Liverpool’s Biggest Contracts Are Becoming A Problem

Jamie Carragher raised an interesting point about Liverpool’s investment in the squad.

We’ve handed substantial new contracts to players such as Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch, yet we’re watching Trey Nyoni earn his place ahead of them.

Think about that.

We’ve got a young lad coming through the ranks, earning a fraction of their wages, and he’s arguably one of our best midfielders.

Meanwhile, we’re discussing whether players reportedly earning somewhere around £280,000 to £300,000 a week actually deserve to start.

That’s a problem.

I was delighted when Szoboszlai signed his new contract. He was outstanding last season and deserved recognition.

But football doesn’t operate on what somebody achieved last year.

You have to earn your place today.

Gravenberch concerns me even more because we’re now looking at another season where his performances haven’t reached the level I expect.

I don’t want Liverpool becoming a football club where the manager continually takes the blame because expensive players aren’t delivering.

At some point, those players have to take responsibility.

If you’re being paid top dollar, you need to perform like a top player.

Szoboszlai Must Earn His Liverpool Place Again

I’ve been asking to see Dominik Szoboszlai given an opportunity in the number ten position.

Against Fenerbahce, he got it.

And he was absolutely dreadful.

The statistics circulating afterwards were alarming. No tackles, interceptions, recoveries or successful duels, with only four successful crosses from 20 attempts.

His body language concerned me just as much.

I’ve seen him shrugging his shoulders, looking frustrated and appearing unhappy when things aren’t going his way.

I don’t want to call him arrogant because I don’t know what’s going on in his head.

But I do know what I’m seeing on the football pitch, and it isn’t good enough.

We’ve discussed playing him as an eight, a ten, a six, a right-back and even a right winger.

I’m fed up with trying to find somewhere to accommodate players who aren’t performing.

Dominik was signed to play in midfield. If he cannot currently earn a place there, he should be on the bench.

It’s that simple.

And before anybody starts, I’m not calling for him to be sold.

He deserves the remainder of the season to rediscover his form. Injuries haven’t helped, and we’ve seen players recover from difficult periods before.

But he shouldn’t start against Crystal Palace simply because he’s Dominik Szoboszlai.

In our live poll, 76% of supporters agreed he shouldn’t start on Sunday.

I think they’re right.

Nyoni And Ngumoha Are Setting Liverpool’s Standards

One of the most enjoyable conversations we had on Thursday was about Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha.

Which youngster has made the bigger impact this season?

It’s a lovely debate to be having.

Both have shown courage, energy and a willingness to take responsibility.

Nyoni is playing with an intelligence that makes you forget how young he is. He’s comfortable receiving the ball, looks forward and has the confidence to demand possession.

Rio brings directness and unpredictability.

They’re giving us qualities that some of our established players appear to have forgotten.

Alexis Mac Allister deserves enormous credit as well.

He had a difficult campaign last season, but he’s responded brilliantly. Right now, I’d have him and Nyoni ahead of Szoboszlai and Gravenberch.

And why on earth aren’t we sorting out Mac Allister’s contract?

We’re rewarding players whose performances have dipped while leaving one of our most reliable midfielders waiting.

That doesn’t make sense to me.

I’d also love to see Will Wright given an opportunity.

He’s scored another UEFA Youth League hat-trick, and we’re watching Lewis Koumas receive minutes through the middle.

I like Koumas. His work rate is excellent.

But Wright is a natural goalscorer. Surely he deserves consideration when Alexander Isak needs a rest?

Reward the players who are producing.

That’s how you create genuine competition.

Iraola Needs Backing And Liverpool Need Accountability

I still believe Andoni Iraola is taking Liverpool in the right direction.

Look at the numbers.

In Arne Slot’s final 14 matches, Liverpool conceded 23 goals, kept one clean sheet and won three times.

In Iraola’s first 14, we’ve conceded 19, kept four clean sheets and won nine.

That’s progress.

We’re still far too easy to score against, and I want to see Ronald Araújo and Jeremy Jacquet given an opportunity together at centre-back.

I’ve already explained why I currently wouldn’t extend Virgil van Dijk or Alisson Becker’s contracts.

But I also recognise that form can change, and there’s still time for both to prove me wrong.

In January, my priority would be a defensive midfielder, with Lamine Camara the player I’d love Liverpool to sign. Full-back competition also needs addressing.

This squad requires intelligent improvements rather than another enormous overhaul.

Above all, we need accountability.

Crystal Palace away on Sunday is now a massive game. Liverpool are fifth, chasing Champions League qualification, and cannot afford a third consecutive defeat.

I want to see a team selected on merit.

I want senior players who lead through their performances.

And I want Nyoni and Ngumoha to continue getting the opportunities they’ve earned.

Because right now, those two kids are setting an example that some of Liverpool’s highest-paid players would do well to follow.

Much Love.