Liverpool Need More Than Alisson Heroics To Reach Their Potential
Liverpool went to Crystal Palace needing three points, and we got them. A 3-1 away victory after consecutive defeats is exactly what I wanted heading into the international break.
We’re fourth in the Premier League, we’ve won three of our four Champions League matches, and we’re in the League Cup quarter-finals. If you’d offered me that after ten league games, I’d have taken it.
But I’m not going to pretend everything was brilliant at Selhurst Park.
Read more: Craig’s Column: Liverpool Must Drop Szoboszlai Against Crystal Palace, And Here’s Why
Alisson Becker was absolutely outstanding. He was my man of the match, and without him, I genuinely don’t know whether we’d have won.
That should tell you something about how the afternoon unfolded.
I’m delighted with the result, and I can see Liverpool improving under Andoni Iraola. However, we’re still giving opponents far too many opportunities, and better teams will punish us.
Alisson Was Outstanding, But Liverpool Rode Their Luck
I’ve been critical of Alisson recently, particularly his distribution, and I’ve questioned whether Liverpool should automatically extend his contract.
Today, he reminded everybody, including me, why he’s been one of the world’s best goalkeepers for so long.
His saves were magnificent.
That’s the Alisson we’ve known and loved, and I’m absolutely delighted to give him the credit he deserves.
But one brilliant performance doesn’t mean we should ignore the bigger conversation about Liverpool’s defensive future.
We conceded chances that simply shouldn’t be available to a team with our ambitions.
Palace hit the crossbar, had a goal correctly disallowed and created opportunities that required exceptional goalkeeping and desperate defending.
I actually thought Palace played reasonably well. The 3-1 scoreline flattered us because the contest was considerably closer than that.
And that’s my concern.
We cannot build our season around Alisson producing miracles every weekend.
The defenders have to protect him better, and the midfield needs to provide more security when possession breaks down.
Szoboszlai Improved, But Our Midfield Balance Remains Wrong
I spent much of last week criticising Dominik Szoboszlai, so it’s only fair that I acknowledge his improvement against Palace.
He offered better delivery, a greater range of passing and more willingness to drive forward.
That’s what I wanted to see.
But I’m still uncomfortable with the balance of our midfield when Szoboszlai plays alongside Alexis Mac Allister behind Florian Wirtz.
I don’t think Dom is naturally suited to that deeper role in a two-man midfield.
He’s an attacking player who wants to influence things further forward, and that’s understandable.
The problem is that Liverpool already have Wirtz, two wingers, a centre-forward and attacking full-backs.
When we commit another midfielder forward and lose possession, the opposition can get at our defence far too easily.
That’s why I keep coming back to Trey Nyoni.
I was disappointed he didn’t start, and I thought we looked sharper and more secure when he came on.
For me, Nyoni and Mac Allister are currently our best deeper midfield partnership.
I want Liverpool to control matches better, and I think those two give us the strongest foundation.
It doesn’t mean Szoboszlai cannot contribute. He absolutely can.
But Iraola needs to find the right role for him without compromising the team.
Wirtz Is Proving His Critics Wrong
One of the biggest positives was Florian Wirtz.
His goal was my favourite of the afternoon because it showed exactly what I want from Liverpool.
We moved the ball from back to front quickly, Barcola helped create the opportunity, Isak’s movement opened the space, and Wirtz finished beautifully.
That’s the football I want to see more consistently.
Wirtz also registered an assist, covered 12.4 kilometres and completed more dribbles than anybody else on the pitch.
He’s now averaging 0.87 goal contributions per 90 minutes across his last eight appearances.
Those are encouraging numbers.
I’ve never claimed he’s the finished article, but he’s clearly becoming more comfortable and influential.
I also thought Bradley Barcola improved considerably after half-time.
His defensive work deserves recognition, and I still believe he’ll become an excellent Liverpool player.
Meanwhile, Rio Ngumoha continues to make a compelling argument for more minutes.
His directness frightens defenders, and I’d increasingly favour him over Cody Gakpo on the left.
We’re beginning to see the potential in this attacking group.
Now we need the structure behind them to catch up.
Iraola Needs Midfield Reinforcements And Defensive Answers
I remain firmly behind Andoni Iraola.
Liverpool look more energetic, more aggressive and more enjoyable to watch than last season.
But I want more control in possession, particularly against organised defences.
I also want Liverpool to move for Lamine Camara in January.
He’s the midfielder I believe could give us the balance we’re missing, although any potential deal still depends on reaching an agreement with Monaco.
I’d also be looking seriously at competition for Milos Kerkez.
He hasn’t delivered enough defensively or offensively, and familiarity with Iraola’s methods should have helped him settle more quickly.
There’s another important contract decision involving Mac Allister.
He’s been excellent this season, and I want Liverpool to secure his future before we create another unnecessary transfer saga.
His opening goal against Palace was another example of his intelligence and anticipation.
Ultimately, I’m happy with our position.
Fourth place, Champions League progress and a realistic opportunity to win the League Cup represent a decent start to this rebuild.
But we have to keep improving.
The international break gives Iraola an opportunity to reflect before Manchester United visit Anfield.
I’m optimistic about what this team can become.
I just don’t want us confusing a convincing scoreline with a convincing defensive performance.
Alisson saved the day against Palace.
Next time, I’d rather we didn’t need him to.
Much Love.