Liverpool Defender Speaks About Defensive Issues Ahead Of Swansea Trip

Liverpool might be a great attack at the moment but they do have problems in defence. The Reds are yet to keep a clean sheet in the Premier League this campaign and Joel Matip has spoken about how the Reds can get better in this aspect of their play.

The Merseyside club have done brilliantly this season and look set for a great season, but a lot will also depend on their defence. Fans will remember that incredible season under Brendan Rodgers. For all the good they did in attack, the Reds also conceded more than 50 goals, which did cost them the title.

Matip though was relenting on the need to improve their defence. The former Schalke man was quoted by Metro saying:

“A solid defence always helps to win games and it is always necessary for a good team.”

The Cameroonian highlighted that close games can be decided by a single goal. And Liverpool need to keep more clean sheets to deal with tight games.

“We have to improve but we know this and we will work hard towards getting better and keeping clean sheets because sometimes we may only be able to score one goal and we want that to be enough to win.

“It will take hard work but that is no problem for us.”

The defence is getting better for Liverpool

For all the incredible attacking power that the Reds have, their defence is still a big issue. Fortunately for the side, the central defensive pairing of Matip and Dejan Lovren is getting better. The duo were pretty good against Hull and even against Chelsea.

Matip has been rock solid for the side and Lovren has cut out his silly mistakes which plagued him a couple of years ago. The most impressive player in defence though is James Milner. The former Manchester City player is not in his favoured position but he is doing well.

Milner doesn’t just defend but is an important player when the team goes forward to attack as well. The Englishman scored a brace against Hull and will be looking to do the same against Swansea.

Jordan Henderson also deserves credit for the good showing from the Reds. The captain of the side has worked out really well as the deepest midfielder. He is providing some cover to the defence and also is an outlet for the pass for the side.

Strength in depth for Liverpool

Liverpool even have a lot of depth when it comes to their squad. Mamadou Sakho and Ragnar Klavan are steady heads that can keep the defence in check. There is cover in the left-back and right-back slots as well. The Reds even have a lot of youngsters coming through the ranks who can break into the first team.

Jurgen Klopp’s philosophy isn’t just about the attack and the defence is starting to look better. With Loris Karius now marshalling the back four, Liverpool look set for a better defensive record. Things are really looking up for the defence at Anfield now.