Graeme Souness has claimed that Liverpool are expecting too much from Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones right now.
The two youngsters played once again for the Reds as they suffered a humiliating home defeat at the hands of Leeds United.
And speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Souness pointed out the issue that everyone can see – Liverpool’s midfield isn’t good enough.
“When you look at the midfield of Liverpool, Thiago, 31 Henderson, 31, Fabinho 29, Keita who’s about 27, Ox, who’s been injured, 29. Curtis Jones who’s 21 and the other young player, Harvey Elliott, who’s 19. If you look back to the start of the season, Jurgen must have looked at his midfield and thought ‘we’re vulnerable here,'” said the pundit.
“The age group of the midfield, the chances are they’ll get muscle injuries, and beyond that there’s the two young boys. It’s a hard league to play in physically and mentally. To expect two young guys to come in when most of your players are injured is a big ask. I’ve felt their midfield is no longer a midfield that can get them in a position where they’re going to win the major trophies.”
Liverpool paying for lack of midfield investment
This isn’t just hindsight from Souness, or anyone else. Liverpool are struggling right now because of a chronic lack of investment in the squad. No question.
The midfield has needed revamping for years. Not only do Liverpool’s midfielders pick up far too many injuries, but they’re getting past their best, too.
Quite plainly, the age-gap between their midfielder players is way too big. As Souness points out, the players are either a little too old or a little too young.
The Reds don’t currently have any consistent options that are in what could be considered their peak. When Liverpool have been successful over recent years, it’s been with players who are in their mid-twenties.
Liverpool’s problem has been that they felt they could get by this season on what they have. Clearly, as most fans could have told you before the season, they haven’t been able to do that.
The only positive for Liverpool is that they only have to navigate two more Premier League games before a six-week break.
On the back of that break comes a transfer window. Looking at the composition of the squad, the Reds simply have no choice to be active in that market.
If they choose to do nothing yet again, this season could be a whole lot worse than missing out on Champions League football.
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