Former Premier League star Leon Osman has insisted that Liverpool no longer have a midfield that can compete physically with any team in front of them.
Liverpool lost more ground in the title race on Wednesday night when they lost their first Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park since 2010.
They are three points behind Arsenal in the league table with Manchester City only a point behind the Reds having played two games fewer.
Liverpool’s forwards have come under scrutiny for their profligacy in front of goal but Osman indicated that their midfield is an issue as well.
He stressed that gone are the days when the midfield three of Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and Fabinho would have physically dominated any team.
The former Evertonian stressed that the current midfield does not have it in them to impose themselves and compete with their opponents physically.
Osman said on Premier League Productions: “Liverpool’s midfield now is different from when it was Henderson, Wijnaldum and Fabinho.
“They could compete physically with any team.
“I wouldn’t say, [Alexis] Mac Allister, Curtis Jones and [Dominik] Szoboszlai can really outmuscle people and go physically toe-to-toe with people.”
Liverpool will hope to bounce back when they visit the London Stadium to take on West Ham on Saturday.
