Jamie Carragher blames Liverpool’s midfield for defensive frailties

Jamie Carragher has branded Liverpool’s midfield as a big reason for their poor form.

The Reds are ninth in the Premier League table with just two wins from seven games so far this season, and drew 3-3 with Brighton on Saturday as they continued to struggle without the ball.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher suggested his former side’s midfield three expose their defence too often, branding their defensive shape ‘open and organised’.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has criticised the Reds’ midfield performances

Carragher singled out Fabinho, saying the Brazil international has ‘been miles off it’ this season

‘A big problem is the midfield’, began Carragher. ‘Teams get a the back four too easily. It’s so open and so unorganised. It should have been 4-0 after 20 minutes [against Brighton].  

‘The midfield is not in the position midfield players should be in, teams get at the back four early. You expect that late, not early. 

‘People said the midfield would be a problem for Liverpool. Fabinho has been miles off the pace.’

Jurgen Klopp’s side have won just two of their seven Premier League games so far this year

Carragher went on to question Liverpool’s slow starts to games, after the Anfield outfit found themselves 2-0 down against Brighton after 17 minutes.

They also conceded early against Ajax, Napoli and Newcastle in recent times, and have found themselves having to come from behind regularly.

‘It is a huge concern, certainly the start of games because they give themselves so much to do,’ said Carragher. 

‘It is not an attitude problem. Jurgen Klopp’s thing was they were the hardest team to play against. Right now they look the easiest team to play against. Sometimes they get lucky too. 

‘Don’t just take my word for it, look at the graphics.’

Liverpool take on Rangers in the Champions League tomorrow as they look to get back to winning ways.