Graham Ruthven: Could Liverpool’s defensive vulnerability undermine the defence of their Premier League title?

IT took two of Liverpool’s new summer signings just four minutes of Sunday’s Community Shield to demonstrate why so many expect the Premier League champions to successfully defend their title this season. Indeed, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz’s combination play for the opening goal against Crystal Palace was eye-catching.

Just as eye-catching was Virgil van Dijk’s defending for both Palace goals in a game Liverpool ultimately lost in a penalty shootout. The Dutchman first conceded a spot kick to allow the Eagles to make it 1-1 before badly misjudging an offside trap to let Ismaila Sarr through for the FA Cup winners’ second goal.

It wasn’t just van Dijk either whose performance raised questions over Liverpool’s defensive resolution. There was space in behind the full backs for Palace to exploit. Milos Kerkez in particular was someone Oliver Glasner’s team targeted with the Serbian too often out of position when the ball was turned over quickly.

From a neutral perspective, Liverpool’s performance in Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace bodes well. The Anfield outfit look like being one of the most entertaining teams to watch in the Premier League this season. They will score goals, but they will also concede them. For Slot, though, there is concern over the chaotic nature of these games.

 

“We need to be better defensively,” said Slot, pointing out how Liverpool also conceded twice to Athletic Club in a friendly last week and four goals to AC Milan earlier in pre-season. “It is disappointing, of course, if you go in front and you are not able to win the game. It was close and there were points where I thought we could win it but it went to penalties and they were better in that moment.”

Slot’s biggest tactical success last season was in striking the right balance. He didn’t attempt to reinvent the wheel after taking over from Jurgen Klopp last summer, instead mixing his predecessor’s trademark ‘Gegenpressing’ style with a possession-oriented approach favoured by Slot during his time at Feyenoord.

This gave Liverpool balance all over the pitch. The attack was supported without the defence being exposed. The midfield was capable of controlling games with the ball, but could also provide protection in front of the back four. Wide players had space to operate in with Mohamed Salah harnessed as the most prolific finisher in the Premier League.

Now, though, Liverpool are changing a lot of their framework all at once. Trent Alexander-Arnold has been replaced by Jeremie Frimpong who is a very different sort of right back. It could be argued Frimpong isn’t even a right back considering he played most of his games for Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen as a wingback.

Man I can’t believe Liverpool really signed this demon. Ekitike is by far the best ST signing of the summer. pic.twitter.com/qmuEc4VBvF

— Raws (@Raws_LFC) August 10, 2025

Luis Diaz left to join Bayern Munich in a £65m deal that made financial sense for the Premier League champions. However, the Colombian was one of Liverpool’s best pressers from the front. Ekitike clearly has talent and finishing ability, as he showed on his competitive debut in the Community Shield, but will he replace Diaz’s tenacity?

If Liverpool land Alexander Isak before the end of the summer window, they could have as many as five new starters in their lineup this season. This would give Slot a lot of integration work to get his team up to the standard they set last term when the Reds strolled to the title. Liverpool might have changed too much.

Of course, it’s still far too early to judge Liverpool. Van Dijk might tighten up once the genuinely competitive matches start. Kerkez could adapt to his new role. Ekitike might well compensate for the loss of Diaz. With the new Premier League season set to kick off this weekend, though, there are weaknesses for Liverpool’s rivals to target.

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