Liverpool’s defensive line has been a bit higher up the field this season, when compared to our triumphant campaign from last year.
This is in an attempt to catch the opposition offside more often, and that was certainly something Southampton fell for time and time again.
So far, the Reds have caught out other teams a total of 19 times – a mark up of 12, when compared to last season.
MORE: The truth about Liverpool’s higher defensive line this season
But this is something that John Aldridge doesn’t fully understand. He suggests that Liverpool’s defence was their most impressive aspect last season, and wonders why Jurgen Klopp is messing with a winning formula.
“The Reds conceded just 22 goals in the Premier League last season and in van Dijk, they have a defender who deserves to be recognised as the best in the business right now,” Aldo wrote in his piece for Independent.ie.
“But something changed over the summer and I’m not sure why Klopp has tinkered with what was a winning formula.
“So far, Liverpool have got away with defensive errors, with young Trent Alexander-Arnold a target for opponents so far this season as they have got in behind him too often.
“The concern for Klopp must be that Liverpool will not get away with defensive mistakes against Arsenal at Anfield on Saturday, with the Gunners boasting an attacking line that may be up there with the best in the Premier League this season.”
While I agree with Aldo – I certainly wouldn’t be brave enough to mess with said winning formula, I don’t think Klopp is just doing it for a laugh.
Give the squad a bit of time to adjust to what the boss wants, and I’m sure we’ll be firing on all cylinders again soon.
So far, as the former Liverpool forward states, the Reds have got away with making errors around the back, but Arsenal will serve up more of a task for the defenders.
Long-term, I’m sure we’ll sturdy up and be the defensive unit we were last season, with a few tweaks, but the fixture against Arsenal is set to be a real test.