Damning statistic shows exactly what position Liverpool need to upgrade next - opinion
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The Premier League season might just be two games in but Liverpool have some big problems to sort out.
The Reds’ title defence is well underway and despite making it two wins from two, their performances have been well below par.
In both Liverpool’s games so far, they have taken a two goal lead, only to let it slip and require last minute winners to get them over the line.
Of course, champions always find a way to win but doing it in these circumstances is not sustainable, especially when they come up against the top teams pushing to win the league.
With Arsenal up next, this is a game where a performance like this could cost them, and there is one statistic in particular that shows they might need to improve one position before deadline day.
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The Reds are known for their free-flowing, attacking football, and this seems to still be the case in the opening few games of the season.
However, they usually find a good balance between attack and defence, although so far they seem to be neglecting the latter.
And, one damning statistic is that they have made the most clearances of anyone in the league with 84 as per FotMob, which sounds a lot after two games, but it is even worse when compared to others.
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Arsenal for example have made 37, Manchester City 45 and Chelsea 36, showing how all of their title rivals have made less than half.
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This is a worrying sign for Liverpool as their defence is far busier than most, suggesting others can sense a weakness that is worth exploiting.
Averaging 42 clearances in a game is almost unheard of for a team pushing to win the league title, showing how the Reds need to make a change if they are to achieve what they set out to do.
Clearances might be linked to the defence but the fact they are being forced to make so many suggests the issue is stemming from elsewhere.
And, in games so far, the midfield is where a big issue has been, with teams carving them open far too easily, leaving the defenders far too exposed.
So, with that said, Arne Slot needs to find a solution as this area of the pitch is far too attacking, meaning he needs to find a balance to help look more in control.
Ryan Gravenberch as a holding midfielder should help this issue, but a new midfielder might be required to help him and the players behind him out.
If not, they will need to look internally, with the Dutchman certainly not short of options in this department.