John Barnes says Liverpool look far more ‘solid’ with trio playing, they should start vs Madrid

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Liverpool legend John Barnes has claimed the Reds’ recent turn in form has come down to the midfield helping out defensively.

Speaking on TalkSPORT this morning, the Anfield hero suggested the midfield-three of Stefan Bajcetic, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson has been the reason for the side’s results over the past week.

“Well, we are also looking better defensively,” said Barnes.

“It’s okay saying that we need to score goals, but I think that [the team have needed to be better defensively].

“I think it’s the midfield, the midfield are now protecting the back-four.

“I think if you look at the midfield in the past while we’ve been quite creative, with you know Harvey Elliott and Thiago.

“Now, the last two games, they’ve gone for a solid midfield – which is what we’ve always had – in Bajcetic, Fabinho and Henderson, and that really protects the back-four.

“So yes, we are looking better going forward, but I think we look just much better defensively.”

Barnes praises the current midfield-three

Although Henderson and Fabinho were dropped from the starting line-up due to poor form this season, they have been very solid since returning to the XI.

Since joining up with the first-team this term, Bajcetic has been a revelation in the middle of the park.

At 18-years-old, he has shown unbelievable maturity and confidence, cementing himself as an important member of Jurgen Klopp’s squad.

Thus, alongside the teenager, the additions of Henderson and Fabinho have made the midfield physically secure.

There is no longer a gap in the middle third, which was previously giving the opposition chances to directly attack the defence.

As a result, it is imperative that the current trio start against Real Madrid tonight, as Liverpool will be in for a huge test at the back against the Champions League giants.