The Reds have a lot to improve if they’re going to compete at this level
Real Madrid completely outclassed Liverpool on Wednesday night. After the first goal went in there was no point at which the men from Merseyside were in the game and the second half was only goalless because Los Blancos were winding down ahead of El Clasico with FC Barcelona.
If the Reds want to be able to compete with teams like Madrid then they will need to improve in several areas. Here are five for them to concentrate on.
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5) Learn to defend set pieces
Karim Benzema’s second goal in the Anfield clash showed up how Brendan Rodgers’ mean just can’t defend against set pieces.
For a team that has spent over £40m on centre-backs over the last two seasons this is simply not good enough.
It was also exploited by QPR on the weekend, and if they are serious about playing regularly in the Champions League then they are going to have to improve this side of their game.
4) All out attack doesn’t always work
Last season Rodgers’ commendable strategy in the big games of ‘attack, attack, attack’ seemed to work quite well.
Thrashings of Arsenal and Everton can testify to that. However, against teams as good as Madrid this isn’t going to work.
Los Merengues were able to weather the early storm, and then shift in to gear once it was over. The results were brutal.
3) Rodgers needs to deal with Mario Balotelli
Never mind the shirt swapping, Balotelli just isn’t playing very well. When he first arrived at Anfield Rodgers said that this was the Italian’s last chance at a ‘big’ club. Well at the moment he isn’t taking it.
With Daniel Sturridge injured and Fabio Borini just not very good, Balotelli’s failings have been made abundantly clear. Rodgers needs to either sort out the maverick striker’s form, or drop him and move on.
2) Find a style to play without Sturridge
Since the England forward’s injury the Reds have been finding it hard to play in the same manner as they did last season. This is mainly because without Sturridge and Luis Suarez, it has been only Raheem Sterling who is adding real pace in the final third.
With only one main threat, this has meant defences are able to concentrate on the one area and leave the Merseysiders wanting for goals.
Given that they are still conceding the same amount at the back, a change in style is needed to either stop the goals or make their attack less reliable on speed.
1) Get a real defensive midfielder
Although there is no defensive midfielder in the world who could have stopped the White tide on Wednesday night, this is a position that needs to be sorted out.
The way they currently play leaves their defence exposed, and they need a top class anchorman in order to get away with that on a regular basis.
Steven Gerrard is not that. His passing and vision may add to attacks, but he has a tendency to leave his defence shorn of any protection. A proper deep lying midfielder is a must at this level.