Martin Keown claims Jurgen Klopp has made a blunder by using his midfield players as makeshift centre-back options for an injury-hit Liverpool FC side.
The Merseyside Reds lost their first-choice trio of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip to season-ending layoffs, which in turn forced Klopp to field Jordan Henderson and Fabinho as the defending champions’ main options in the heart of the backline despite having the services of youth players Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams.
Speaking after Jurgen Klopp’s outfit came out second best for the fourth time in a row in top-flight football, this time against city rivals Everton in a 2-0 scoreline enjoyed by the Toffees, Keown voiced concerns over the Premier League holders having to shift back their players from the middle of the pitch to defence.
“It’s been a mistake moving the midfield into the back line, having to change so many players,” said the ex-Gunners defender, as quoted by Liverpool Echo.
“They stuck to their task really well and I like Godfrey and Holgate because of how athletic they are, they’re so mobile and they’re aggressive as well,” he added.
“They’re not scared to go after forwards, to go and mix it with (Sadio) Mane. Keane in the middle, he’s the brains, he’s the player that reads the game really well, so good use of his players today from (Carlo) Ancelotti.
“Too much for Liverpool, Everton had everything and Liverpool didn’t.”
Henderson’s time on the Anfield pitch on Saturday was limited to just short of the half-hour mark as the Liverpool FC skipper had to depart owing to a muscle issue in his groin, with the Merseysiders awaiting further tests on their star player’s fitness.
