Liverpool’s Premier League title ambitions suffered another blow after defeat to Crystal Palace, exposing a familiar defensive weakness haunting the Reds again.
Centre-backs have historically struggled following Liverpool title pushes, with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, and Joel Matip enduring season-ending injuries previously.
The curse continued this campaign, with 18-year-old Giovanni Leoni suffering a devastating knee injury on debut against Southampton in the League Cup.
Ibrahima Konate, meanwhile, delivered a nightmare performance against Palace, gifting big chances and fueling uncertainty as speculation about Real Madrid intensifies.
Contract talks for Konate remain unresolved, leaving his Anfield future uncertain, and Liverpool cannot afford instability at the heart of their defense, reports Echo.
Arne Slot knows consistency is vital, but injuries and rotation have disrupted rhythm, unlike the seamless momentum of his first season.
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Milos Kerkez, Conor Bradley, and Jeremie Frimpong are still adapting, while replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold’s creativity remains Liverpool’s biggest tactical headache.
Florian Wirtz, seen as Alexander-Arnold’s long-term creative heir, is struggling to adapt, while Mohamed Salah suffers without his trusted supply line.
In attack, Alexander Isak’s fitness struggles and Hugo Ekitike’s indiscipline highlight further issues, slowing Liverpool’s attempts to fully settle this season.
Upcoming games against Chelsea, Manchester United, Brentford, and Manchester City will test Slot’s evolving side, who remain a work in progress.
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