Liverpool ‘lack characters’ and have to work more durable to compete within the Premier League this season, says former Reds favorite John Aldridge.
Liverpool gained the Premier League in 2025 however had been miles off the tempo final season.
The Reds finally completed fifth within the Premier League, 25 factors behind champions Arsenal, with supervisor Arne Slot paying the worth.
Andoni Iraola has are available in and overseen a quiet summer time up to now. And with Mo Salah, Andrew Robertson and Ibrahima Konate all leaving the membership Aldridge thinks the squad is mild on expertise.
“There have been characters in all places within the squad two or three years in the past, however I believe they’re missing in that division now,” Aldridge informed 101 Great Goals at the side of BetGoodwin.
“Gamers like James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Andy Robertson are precisely what you need within the dressing room they usually’re laborious to switch.
“One of the best groups I performed in had characters. They made coaching pleasant since you had fun and also you appeared ahead to being collectively, however you additionally labored actually laborious. You’ve received to be critical when the time comes, however it’s nonetheless vital to have enjoyable and construct staff spirit.”
Aldridge gained the league title and FA Cup with Liverpool within the Nineteen Eighties earlier than having fun with a prolific spell in Spain and an extended spell in cost at Tranmere Rovers.
He needs to see extra from Liverpool’s gamers this season and doesn’t purchase into claims that they’re overworked.
He stated: “I preferred Andoni Iraola’s honesty when he got here out and stated that his gamers didn’t have the vitality to final 90 minutes. We may all see that final season they usually dropped too many factors within the remaining minutes. They weren’t match sufficient bodily or mentally. What we noticed from them final season wasn’t what a Liverpool aspect needs to be.
“That they had their damage issues, however you possibly can’t use that as an excuse for getting outrun by your opposition. Chelsea solely outran their opponents twice final season, and that was each the video games towards Liverpool. That shouldn’t occur at Liverpool.
“In terms of the dialog about gamers “burning out”, I’m in all probability a little bit of a dinosaur. After the World Cup in 1994, I used to be 36 occurring 37, I solely had eight days off and I educated day-after-day, then I went straight again to taking part in for Tranmere Rovers in Division Two. I wanted a relaxation and at that age it’s robust, however I nonetheless did very well.
“I’m not having it when individuals say gamers are burnt out. How can the Liverpool gamers be burnt out once they’ve principally had 12 months relaxation whenever you take a look at how they performed final season? They’re younger, match, they get one of the best diet and one of the best coaching – simply get on with it!”
Liverpool have signed Victor Munoz this summer time however are nonetheless in need of attacking choices, with a transfer for PSG winger Bradley Barcola nonetheless being mooted.
Aldridge thinks it’s one space they do have to nonetheless work on.
“It’s a huge ask for younger Rio Ngumoha to return straight in and fill Mo Salah’s sneakers,” Aldridge stated.
“That stated, the group love him and he’s the brand new favorite at Anfield. There’s a buzz within the stadium any time he will get the ball.
“Liverpool are being held to ransom by PSG in the meanwhile with the Barcola switch. Nearly as good as he’s, PSG are throwing round figures like €140 million and that could be a load of nonsense.
“I do suppose Liverpool want one other winger since you principally want two beginning XIs within the Premier League these days.”
Liverpool begin their Premier League season towards Newcastle on Sunday 23 August.
