By Darian Farley (Guest journalist and Liverpool supporter)
Where should I begin?
The capitulation of Liverpool Football Club’s title defense comes down to several factors, and their lengthy injury list is the most obvious.
Yes, “injuries happen”, but the list and the positioning of these players have played a key role in the overall downfall of the team.
The team has now had eighteen (18) players missing at some point this season, with some reoccurring and nine (9) still out of the squad.
Five (5) of which were injured playing the center half role. Of those are the likes of Virgil Van Dijk, Fabinho and their captain Jordan Henderson who were instrumental in their stunning Champions League as well as Premier League triumphs.
Jordan Henderson. Once an outcast, now a model for most.
Liverpool as a team has been unable to play as effectively without its captain for the last three seasons.
It is not technical ability, passing range or any attributes that make “your favourite player” (in your opinion) better. It is consistency, drive and the willingness to know what the team requires and do it regardless of personal glory.
In accepting the responsibility, filling the void at the back, Liverpool has suffered from not having Jordan Henderson in midfield.
Henderson like it or not, sets the tone for the Liverpool team. He allows for the high-flying wingbacks to freely attack with more protection on the back line.
His insatiable appetite for team improvement has been vital in maintaining the Liverpool rock and roll performances we have come to know.
Problem 3.
The last thing you would want to happen in a team with a “provisional” midfield and a weakened defense, is for them to stop scoring.
The front three who have grown to be famously relentless, have been missing the now, fewer chances created.
With newly acquired starlet Jota still injured – the “replacements” are looking more like surplus to requirements.
I should make an honorable mention to the scapegoat Thiago, reluctantly so. To even suggest that he is at fault for the way the team is playing is beyond me. Can he play better? Yes!
However, am I expecting Thiago to pull a depleted team by the scruff of its neck? I think that is a stretch.
Where do we go from here?
Should I be honest the positions between fourth and eighth this season as a Liverpool fan, are all the same.
Apart from expectations and opposing fan base slander, if the team is not competing in the Champions League, with all due respect, I could care less about the Europa League.
Of course, there is financial gain, the acquisition and retention of players that might be hinged on European football. However, I aspire to see the club competing at the highest level, as they have been.
The team as shown by its recent frail displays, is devoid of confidence. The impetus to go on a good run of games must start immediately, even with the professional as well as personal situations shrouding the club and its players.
In closing, though they may never read this, I would like to extend my condolences to Jurgen Klopp on the passing of his mother and Allisson Becker on the passing of his father.
As the famous football anthem, renders “Though your dreams be tossed and blown, walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart and You'll Never Walk Alone.” YNWA
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