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Arne Slot's men have looked exposed on the counter-attack at times, in contrast to the control they exerted in 2024/25.

"I think if you look at the 90 minutes, I think you never felt they were really in control of the game," Hamann said on talkSPORT.

I think if you don't control games without the ball, it makes it even harder to control it with the ball.

"I think part of it, or the reason was that defensively, they've been pretty fragile as they've been against Palace.

Jeremie Frimpong, for all his power going forward, his pace, he's not a right-back.

"I think this is something they have to address because without Trent (Alexander-Arnold) in the team, I think the dynamics in the team will change."

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"The other thing, I think in possession, they've been really good as well last season because they tire a team out and score late on when they faded," Hamann said.

He came inside sometimes.

"I think what happened with Trent in the team, because obviously a lot has been made, whether he's been missed or not, I think if Trent was on the ball and had a three or four-yard space and a bit of time on the ball, I think what did happen, the teams dropped off because they knew if he needs to put a ball on a six-pence, he will do.

"I think what it did is it stretched teams, even by him being on the pitch and being in possession.

"I think it gave everybody else in the team a little bit more time in midfield and also up top because with his passing ability, he did stretch teams because people were scared of his passing.

"Obviously, this is something they won't have this season because Frimpong is a completely different player."

Liverpool is next in action a week today with a trip to St James' Park to take on Newcastle United
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