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“Not good enough”- Liverpool icon rips into four first-team stars following Crystal Palace no-show

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By Pranav Ravindrannair

Michael Owen rips into the Liverpool midfield following Crystal Palace draw

According to The Mirror, Michael Owen has lambasted the Liverpool midfielders following the club’s 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The Reds travelled to Selhurst Park nursing the 5-2 humiliation midweek to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. Liverpool hit the bar thrice but were otherwise shoddy and failed to break the deadlock.

The pressing concern was once again in the midfield where the Reds lacked energy and decisiveness. A 37-year-old James Milner being arguably the best player in the middle of the park speaks volumes for our performance on the night.

Michael Owen rips into the Liverpool midfield following Crystal Palace draw.
How long can Liverpool keep relying on players like Jordan Henderson and James Milner for creativity from midfield? (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Speaking after the game Owen had little good to reveal about any of our midfielders’ performances. He believes both Jordan Henderson and James Milner are too old and might as well be right.

The duo struggled to make the difference with Henderson in particular, even going on to block Trent Alexander-Arnold’s goalbound freekick. It did not get any better for the Liverpool skipper on the night.

“People talk about the age of the midfield there, whether Milner or Henderson should be replaced.”

Michael Owen rips into the Liverpool midfield following Crystal Palace draw.
Naby Keita has been a colossal disappointment. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Fabinho has dropped off a mile and his lack of impact was also noted by Owen. The crown for the worst of the lot, however, falls on Naby Keita who struggled to get going all night.

The Guineaen can consider himself lucky not to be sent off and also looked for the pace. He almost scored an own goal behind the break before being hooked for Harvey Elliott. The youngster did not fare any better but can at least be excused for being played in a role he isn’t properly acquainted with.

“Fabinho has been average this season. Really average. Harvey Elliott, when he came on at half-time, he give the ball away more than he kept it. Naby Keita is just not good enough for a midfielder.”

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