Gary Neville Suggests Bold Changes for Liverpool’s Struggling Defense
Gary Neville has urged Liverpool manager Arne Slot to revise the team’s defensive approach amid their recent struggles. Following a disappointing 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest, Liverpool has recorded six defeats in their last seven matches.
Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool’s captain, acknowledged that the team has not met expectations, particularly considering Slot’s previous successes. He emphasized the need for improvement to honor their achievements from last season.
Recommendations for Defensive Changes
Neville believes a shift in formation is essential for Liverpool to stabilize their defense. He suggested that Slot adopt a more pragmatic style that focuses on solidifying the backline.
Proposed Defensive Line-Up
- Adopt four center-backs in the back four.
- Utilize a narrow midfield structure.
- Consider personnel adjustments to improve overall stability.
Neville specifically mentioned the struggles of players such as Milos Kerkez and Ibrahima Konaté. He highlighted the effectiveness of other clubs like Arsenal and Manchester City in employing similar tactical shifts.
Midfield and Forward Adjustments
Neville suggested a midfield arrangement that could include:
- Dominik Szoboszlai
- Alexis Mac Allister
- Ryan Gravenberch
- Florian Wirtz or Cody Gakpo
He also proposed leaving prominent attackers, such as Mohamed Salah, alongside Hugo Ekitike or Alexander Isak, to maintain offensive pressure while ensuring defensive responsibility.
Current Standings and Challenges
Liverpool currently sits in 11th place in the Premier League. This marks the first instance in a decade that they find themselves in the lower half of the rankings. Van Dijk described the ongoing season as “a mess” and called for teammates to step up and reclaim their form.
Recently, Liverpool has consistently conceded three goals against teams like Manchester City, Crystal Palace, and Brentford, highlighting the urgency for strategic change.
For Liverpool to return to form, adjustments to their defensive structure and tactical approach appear necessary, as stressed by Neville and acknowledged by their captain.
