Described as the worst title defence of all time by many pundits, Liverpool's downfall has many steps to it and the reasons behind their drop in performances are clear.
Injuries
It is known by everyone, mainly because Liverpool fans don't stop making excuses up, that the injury problems that the Champions have faced have badly affected performances and results. Most evidently losing their best defender, Virgil Van Dijk, the ensuing build-up of injuries particularly in the defence has left many midfielders being dragged around to fill the void, with Henderson and Fabinho often playing there. Centre back partnerships, often kept the same to create a bond and breed confidence in the rest of the team, have been completely missing for Liverpool with 18 different central pairings in their backline this season.
Individual Mistakes
Last season, during their unbeaten run, Klopp's men had exceptionally high standards, with individual mistakes very minimal, although this season it has been quite the opposite. Very high profile errors, such as Alisson's dreadful double against Manchester City, have more than summed up the season for the Anfield outfit. Increasingly happening, the mistakes will have had the German manager tearing his hair out.
Thiago
Signed in the summer from the Champions League winners, Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara had a lot expected of him when he came to the Premier League, but it hasn't really gone to plan. Undoubtedly a player filled with ability, Liverpool may not have been the best team for him to join. Last season the Champions attacked with dynamism and speed, finding the openings as quickly as possible, often scoring from counter-attacks or winning the ball back in the opposition's third due to their high press. However, Thiago is a midfielder that looks to dictate the tempo and have more of the ball; perhaps suggesting that Man City would've been the better option.
Jordan Henderson and the Misfiring Full Backs
The ability of Liverpool's fullbacks is well documented. How much though is down to the influence of Jordan Henderson? The skipper's contribution often goes under the radar, although his role is vital for Trent and Robertson to operate at the level we've become accustomed to. When the fullbacks bomb on, they do so in the knowledge that Henderson will fill the gaps, giving them the confidence to attack with more freedom. Henderson's awareness of the game around him and his willingness and discipline to do the usually unseen jobs that others often decline is paramount to success. With Henderson filling in for Virgil and now with his injury problem, the fullbacks have been less effective compared to the last campaign.
Now with Klopp conceding the league title, the Reds battle to get back into the top four and look to go again next season.
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