Liverpool suffered a ninth defeat in 12 games, beaten 4-1 by PSV Eindhoven at Anfield. Here, Sky Sports’ Adam Bate assesses the key issues hampering Arne Slot’s side.
Van Dijk’s form is a worry
Virgil van Dijk had enjoyed a recent high after a clean sheet and win over Real Madrid, but three consecutive heavy defeats have returned his form to the spotlight. He conceded a penalty with a handball after spending time protesting a corner, was booked for a late lunge soon after, and generally looked culpable. As a natural leader who directs teammates and offers rebukes, his dip in form is more visible and problematic because he is expected to steady the team. Both Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah — long-time pillars of Liverpool — have been well below their best, and the challenge is for Van Dijk to address both the team’s struggles and his own.
Konate still struggling badly
Ibrahima Konate compounded defensive issues with a failure to deal with a simple forward ball that allowed PSV to get in behind for the third goal. Had Liverpool completed a summer move for Marc Guehi, Konate might already be out of the team; Slot appears to have limited faith in Joe Gomez and Giovanni Lo Celso (Giovanni Leoni in the original) is out for the season. Konate’s recurring mistakes suggest the problem is more than a blip — whether confidence or carelessness — and Slot cannot rely on a centre-back who should be in his prime.
Concerns grow over Kerkez
New left-back Kerkez has had a sluggish start, losing his place to Andrew Robertson before the international break and failing to seize another opportunity. He struggled against Sergino Dest and Guus Til, and was beaten for PSV’s second goal after a moment when he appeared to be remonstrating with Van Dijk. The crowd’s continued support will be important, but Kerkez still has work to do to convince teammates he can succeed at Liverpool.
Salah is a defensive liability
Slot has been making do at right-back, with Curtis Jones filling in and Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong unavailable. Whoever plays there will be isolated while Mohamed Salah is positioned ahead of them; Salah does very little defensive work, which was tolerated when he was scoring regularly but is now exposed as his output has dipped. For PSV’s second goal Mauro Júnior was allowed to bypass Salah without challenge, helping the move that restored PSV’s lead.
Isak still not up to speed
Alexander Isak came on for the final half hour but could not change the game’s momentum. Since joining from Newcastle he has made 10 appearances for Liverpool and his only goal so far came against Southampton in the Carabao Cup. Isak showed a snapshot of potential but lacks sharpness and isn’t yet trusted to provide the aggressive pressing Slot demands. Slot noted that a second-half drop in intensity was linked to Hugo Ekitike feeling a back issue straight after half-time: “That had a bit to do with Hugo Ekitike, who straight after half-time felt his back. That is why the press was not aggressive enough. If the press is not aggressive enough, they have players who can outplay you.” Ekitike’s quick rise to fan-favourite status owes as much to his energy as to goals, and for now that energy is missing from Isak’s game.