Carragher: ‘Moments of truth beckon’ for Reds defence

The true measure of Liverpool’s defensive’s progress will only become clear in the next few weeks, according to the club legend Jamie Carragher.

The Reds have built on the improved solidity they demonstrated in the latter half of the 2017/18 campaign, registering three clean sheets in their first four games of the new season.

However, after kicking off the campaign with games against West Ham, Crystal Palace, Brighton and Leicester, they will meet Spurs, Chelsea, PSG, Manchester City and Napoli in the next three weeks.

Carragher believes this is an opportunity for Liverpool’s defence to really show what they are made of.

“In his first game as Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp secured a goalless draw away at Tottenham Hotspur. Liverpool have failed to keep a clean sheet in the 12 away league fixtures against the ‘big six’ since,” he wrote in his Telegraph column.

“For all the plaudits for the club’s improved defence – most of them warranted given recent performances – the moments of truth beckon. We will soon know how equipped their defence is to sustain a title challenge.

READ: Klopp accepts need to rotate amid hectic schedule

READ: Klopp plays down prolonged Fabinho absence

“Although Liverpool are getting better, it is too early to judge how good they are at the toughest away grounds.

“Last season they conceded 15 goals in five away games at top-six rivals, including nine in two games at Manchester City and Tottenham. That return is never going to maintain a title bid.”

Carragher warned that the presence of Virgil van Dijk alone will not be enough to repel some of Europe’s most dangerous attacks.

“Van Dijk has shone against the majority of Premier League sides since he joined last January. But we still cannot ignore that with Van Dijk on board Liverpool were beaten at Manchester United and Chelsea, and even in victory against Roma in the Champions League semi-final the defence conceded four in the second leg.

“The expectation is Van Dijk and Alisson Becker will make the difference. Liverpool have only conceded once – and that was from a daft, avoidable error against Leicester – so the signs are promising.

“Van Dijk has brought assurance, making the difficult look easy. He gets his head onto set-pieces, has a positive effect on those around him and reduces periods where the defence looks under the cosh.

“Good as it has been so far – with respect – they have not come up against a team of Spurs’ quality yet, nor a striker of Harry Kane’s class. He tortured Liverpool in this fixture a year ago, forcing a defensive substitution when Dejan Lovren was withdrawn before half-time.

Carragher says too many Liverpool games have been like ‘basketball matches’ and believes it is high-time his former side became more than just entertainers.

“A brilliant strikeforce will win plenty of games and admirers, but you cannot win the title without a strong defence,” he declared.

The post Carragher: ‘Moments of truth beckon’ for Reds defence appeared first on AnfieldHQ.

Source: anfieldhq.com