Chelsea legend could 'write a book' about why Liverpool's best player this season is a 'problem'

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It is fair, then, to argue that the Reds could have been handed an easier set of opening fixtures.And, given they came on the back of a difficult summer that saw Arne Slot's squad experience change and tragedy, the fact that the defending champions are just one point off new leaders Arsenal in the Premier League table means they remain in a good position.But when a club the size of Liverpool lose three games in a row - like they did before the international break, for the first time under their head coach Slot - it is big news.And since the painful 2-1 defear at Chelsea, there has been much discussion about exactly what is exactly going wrong for the Reds.From Mohamed Salah's misfires in front of goal to Alexis Mac Allister's and Ibrahima Konate's drop off in form in midfield and at the back, reasons are being sought for why the team that stormed to the title last season are struggling.And now a former Chelsea and Everton favourite has had his say.Pat Nevin is now a well-respected pundit and when examining the issues facing Slot, he highlights one concerning Dominik Szoboszlai who, despite being forced to play out of position at right-back, as well as operating in different roles in midfield, has comfortably been Liverpool's best player so far this season.“There are definitely problems at Liverpool,” said the ex-Scotland international. “We know how good Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz are, but they clearly haven’t gelled with the team yet.“As brilliant as Mohamed Salah is, he’s not helping his full-back; and that is a real problem-position for Arne Slot at the moment.“Dominik Szoboszlai is a lovely player, but he’s not a full-back!

I could write a book on the amount of mistakes he’s made playing there - but of course he’s naturally a midfielder and in fairness to him, he is creating chances.“So based on those factors, I don’t think Liverpool are going to run away with the title by any means.“Are Chelsea the team to advance up the table and mount a challenge? Personally, I don’t think they’re ready yet.“Their centre-back situation is a cause for concern; you can’t win or challenge for a league title when you’re using your sixth and seventh choice centre-backs.”Chelsea's last-gasp win over the Reds moved them up to seventh and four points behind their opponents and five behind the table-topping Gunners.Arsenal will have the chance to extend their advantage at the summit when they face Fulham in the 5.30pm kick-off on Saturday, October 18.Liverpool will look to get back to winning ways the following afternoon when they welcome bitter-rivals Manchester United to Anfield in the 4.30pm Sunday kick-off.And Nevin, speaking to online betting site BetWright, said of the title race: “In reality, I can’t see past Arsenal.

They’re strong in so many areas; if Declan Rice gets injured, they have an assembly line of players ready to replace him.“Two years ago, if Martin Odegaard got injured, they’d be in crisis mode. Now it’s not that big of a setback - they have Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze.“The biggest thing Liverpool have over Arsenal in this title race is that they know they can win the league – they’ve done it before.“Whereas Arsenal only think they can do it, without having proven so before.”