LFC’s Defensive frailties in preseason a blip on the radar, or sign of things to come?

The majority of the preseason for Liverpool FC has been outstanding. The new signings are being worked into the side more and more each day. The youngsters are stepping up and the goals are being scored in abundance. However, the defense has left more than a little to be desired.

After conceding four against Bayern Munich on Wednesday, the Reds have surrendered 10 goals through their 4 friendlies. One of those matches was a clean sheet win over Leicester City.

So, 10 goals in 3 matches is pretty ugly, even with the heavy preseason rotation. There are people that would say the results don’t matter until opening kickoff of the Premier League season.

That could be a valid point and Liverpool could lock in from Day 1 and become the stalwart defense we have known in the past. However, based on the evidence we have seen during the preseason, it might not be that easy.

The defensive lapses have popped up regularly throughout matches even if they did not result in goals for the opposition.

The defense has looked susceptible to counterattacks and balls over the top as whatever group has been on the field becomes stretched and begins lunging at tackles to salvage something.

While yes, the main 1st team defense has not been playing close to a full 90 minutes yet, the system and organization should still be cleaned up. If the players on the pitch know their roles and what is expected, that can go a long way to covering up talent deficiencies.

The Reds started the match against Bayern with almost their entire first XI defense with Andy Robertson, Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Trent Alexander-Arnold all given the start.

Van Dijk was the most solid of the group throughout as he was playing cleanup for the sloppiness of those around him. Bayern Munich had immense success attacking down the wings with pace and precision.

This is a worrying sign as the likes of Bukayo Saka, Jack Grealish, Gabriel Martinelli, Heung-min Son and more are ready to feast on the wings in the Premier League this coming season.

Going further into concerns around the defense is the thinness in the group. If a big injury occurs to one of the starters, the drop-off to who is behind them is significant. Reinforcements are needed in defense, but not promised.

It’s easy to brush aside things that happen during preseason, but if they continue to happen, regardless of who is on the pitch, you cannot overlook them for long. The Liverpool defense has had one strong performance out of 4 preseason matches.

That is the bottom line. The final friendly of the preseason against Darmstadt needs to have an improved outing out of the back. It does not matter who features as the system must tighten up.

The attack has been absolutely scorching hot during the preseason whereas the defense has been nervy and sloppy. Liverpool have tried to score their way to titles in the past, but that never works.

A strong defense sets the foundation for everything. Hopefully, this rough preseason is a blip on the radar and the squad can bring their best game to Stamford Bridge to begin the Premier League season. We will all be watching with intense scrutiny.