Liverpool are stumbling. This season the Reds are leaking goals at a rate that doesn’t fit a club of their stature. A big culprit? Their full-back roles. Faulty decisions, shaky form and too many changes at the back are part of the story. According to a recent report, full-back failures may be what’s holding the defence together.
Leaky numbers tell the tale
Liverpool’s defensive stats raise red flags. They are conceding around 1.8 goals per game in all competitions — the worst rate in their last five years. Meanwhile, they’ve spent heavily on forwards but the defence has been left more exposed. The shift in focus means fewer defensive upgrades and more pressure on full-backs.
Full-back issues: new players, old problems
On paper, Liverpool brought in fresh full-backs to replace aging stars. But these recruits haven’t settled. On the left, Milos Kerkez is giving too much away and offering little going forward. On the right, it’s a carousel of players — no settled figure at right-back. The net effect: the strength that once existed from the full-back positions has faded.
Mistakes at the back compound everything
Defensive breakdowns aren’t just about one bad day. This Liverpool side has made too many individual errors, costing goals and confidence. Recently, veteran Virgil van Dijk was publicly criticised after a slip and two goals conceded at home. When big-names are faltering, the ripple effect hits deeper.
What must change now
Liverpool need to rebuild stability. They must find a reliable right-back, ensure Kerkez improves or rotate wisely, and stop making unforced errors. Manager Arne Slot must set defensive clarity: who starts, what each full-back’s role is, and how the back-line connects. The board should also consider defensive recruitment next.
Author’s Insight
Here’s the bottom line: A defence is only as strong as its weakest link—and for Liverpool that link is currently their full-back positions. The club’s spent a lot on attack. This may have masked the cracks at the back. But these cracks are now clear. Fixing them is going to take a lot of time. It also won’t be glamorous—but it’s essential. If Liverpool want to even dream of the top again, they need full-back consistency. They also need fewer errors, and more backbone on the flanks. Until that happens, the results will keep slipping.
As featured on Walkon.com
