Liverpool’s ‘nervous breakdown’ in danger of becoming the next Darwin Nunez

An outrageous last-gasp objective from Fulham substitute Harrison Reid snatched victory from Liverpool and summed up the season for Arne Slott’s aspect.

Moments earlier than that, Kodi Gakpo scored what seemed to be the deciding objective, heading dwelling after a pointy cross from substitute Jeremy Frimpong, however Liverpool had been unstoppable with the gorgeous objective, marking back-to-back attracts within the Premier League.

To be trustworthy, the champions have fared nicely under anticipated requirements this season, and whereas their unbeaten document in all competitions has grown to 9, there may be loads of work to be completed for a struggling and lackluster staff.

Liverpool had been in charge of the ball and, as Slott claimed, Fulham not often tried Alisson’s objective. However it is a staff stripped of confidence, spontaneity and creativity, and it confirmed at Craven Cottage.

What did Liverpool go incorrect towards Fulham?

Slott spoke after the sport in regards to the achievements he has made in latest weeks, however there isn’t any doubt that Liverpool followers are fed up with the membership’s lack of the spark and consistency they as soon as had as an elite attacking drive.

Liverpool weren’t solely duller than earlier than, they had been duller. And so they spent practically £450m in the summertime switch window, breaking English switch data not as soon as however twice by the signings of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.

The boards supporting this challenge are creaking and can quickly crack. To be truthful, Liverpool have improved. Though the second half produced extra function and drive, the Merseysiders nonetheless solely produced a complete of 1.45 xG for your entire contest, unable to provide and maintain fluent attacking soccer with their makeshift entrance line.

The guests may have been left feeling fairly pissed off by Reid’s sensible strike, but it surely was the most recent instance of inefficient attacking play, with a artistic unit unable to focus and set route.

Slott has sought to ascertain extra management at Liverpool, however this has come on the expense of artistic expression. Nevertheless, there are some gamers who’ve struggled to attain steadiness and coordination within the beginning lineup, a few of whom have even been dubbed Liverpool’s new model of Darwin Nunez.

Liverpool signal new participant Darwin Nunez

Jamie Carragher generally is a controversial determine on-line when he is at his greatest, and a Sky Sports activities pundit proved this as soon as once more earlier than the Liverpool sport in west London when he claimed Milos Kerkes was “like having Darwin Nunez at left-back”.

It was a harsh twist on previous sentiments for Trent Alexander-Arnold. However there’s something to be stated in regards to the Hungarian’s instability and lack of composure within the left channel, who’s but to place all of it collectively after finishing a £45m transfer from Bournemouth.

Pundit Jamie Redknapp additionally branded the 22-year-old a “neural breakdown” earlier within the season after Manchester United’s shock win over Slott’s aspect at Anfield.

Kelkes has improved with the staff defensively in latest weeks, however he stays controversial with an absence of function by his playmaking. That grew to become clear after his efficiency at Fulham.

Liverpool World gave him a match ranking of 6/10, acknowledging his competent defending, however in line with Sofascore, Kerkes was flattered to deceive from a extra attacking route, failing every of his three tried crosses and failing to create a single probability for a staff on the lookout for additional inspiration. Moreover, the 64-touch expertise did not even try to dribble or shoot. At the very least he received all his duels, together with solo tackles.

When he compares this season to the 2024-25 season at Bournemouth, the place he received the PFA Workforce of the Yr award, it’s clear he has struggled to provide the identical stage.

Kerkes has to do extra, however there is no denying that he is been conservative and lackluster in latest weeks and has been held again considerably by Slott’s teaching. He’s aggressive, however that aggression have to be managed and molded into one thing that may enable Liverpool to interrupt by powerful defences.

It labored, however Querquez’s prospects stay a bit unconvincing and he wants to amass the perfection that has evaded Nunez all through the Uruguayan’s three spells on Merseyside.

Total, it is a younger participant stepping right into a system that did not mesh nicely this season. Enhancements are wanted, however the hope is that over time Mr. Kerkes will obtain the required outcomes and start to garner extra constructive feedback.