Behind Liverpool s consecutive goals conceded: just because of the lack of Heraffenberg

Slott's defensive concerns

Liverpool's start of the new season is accompanied by doubts about its defensive stability. Conceded four goals in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace and the Premier League first round against Bournemouth, which attracted attention. However, head coach Slot remained calm, insisting that his team only needs to find the right "balance" rather than completely changing tactical play.

As the Athletic emphasizes, this is not a new problem. In fact, since securing the Premier League title in April, Liverpool have conceded goals in every official game, as well as in all preseason games. Heraffenberg's recent absence from the lineup may be the key to the problem.

Hrafenberg's influence

The Dutch midfielder has quickly grown into a key figure in Liverpool under Slott. "The 23-year-old has mastered the art of combining defense and offense. He provides protection for full-backs and centre-backs by returning offensive players who are inserted from the midfield, while also providing a safe contact point for the backcourt shots, which may have been underestimated in the championship race last season, largely because he has never been absent for a long time."

Hrafenberger missed the Community Shield and the match against Bournemouth due to his suspension, after missing a loss to Chelsea due to family reasons. Van Dijk quickly pointed out the impact of his absence, saying: "It takes time, it's totally normal, but we also played in the absence of our No. 6 player, Heraffenberg. We lost two counter-attacks, and we have to do better at these conversion moments. This is where we have to work hard to improve."

Key data support the

data fully illustrates why Slot values ​​him so much. Heraffenberg's interceptions last season (60) exceeded any other midfielder in the Premier League and regained the ball 193 times, making it the most in Liverpool. Compared to him, it is difficult for the opponent to drive the ball to break through him. He has only been successfully surpassed 24 times, while McAllister has been surpassed 49 times.

Slott initially regarded Heraffenberg as a No. 8 player, but soon realized his advantage at a deeper position. By the middle of the season, he has become indispensable, not only because of his defensive contribution, but also because of his ability to release his teammates into offensive positions. His position and vitality allow Liverpool's full-back to push forward more boldly and help prevent opponents from counterattacks.

Slott's next step

Hrafenberger returns in time against Newcastle. The challenge for Slott will be how to fit in with him without disrupting the offensive rhythm. McAllister is expected to start, so one of Sobosloy, Garkepo or Wilz may need to give way. Wiltz's £116 million worth makes it difficult for him to be excluded, but the squad's balance may depend on a bold tactical adjustment.

Liverpool lost two counter-attacks against Bournemouth and faced five high-speed counter-attacks (fast conversion attacks), a number that was surpassed only once in the entire season last season. With Heraffenberg's return, these loopholes in the transition offense should be filled, restoring the combination of defensive resilience and offensive creativity that brings the team the championship.

Liverpool fans have known from last season that success is based not only on goals, but also on the less glamorous work of their Dutch midfielder. With his return, the defending champion can expect a more stable performance.

Our view

reminds everyone that Liverpool's defensive problems are not structural flaws, but caused by Heraffenberg's temporary absence, which will comfort fans. Fans have seen how core he is against Slott's midfield system last season, and he gradually grows into a controller and barrier in front of the back line. The data from

The Athletic exactly confirms the intuitive feelings of many live audiences. Heraffenberg is the one who completes the interception, fights for the second landing point and fills up the position while the fullback is in the forward position. Without him, the midfield would seem too open, and the conversion attack (being hit by the opponent) would be extremely harmful to the team.

Liverpool fans also remember history. Manchester City's championship setback when Rodri was suspended highlights how important a dominant defensive midfielder is to elite teams. Heraffenberg may not be comparable to Rodri, but his importance to Liverpool is similar.

fans will expect Slot to find the right solution quickly, especially as Werz is now joining the competition. Although there may be some difficult choices ahead, Herafenberg's return is a timely boost. Fans hope that with him in the core position of the midfield, Liverpool can regain the defensive resilience that transformed last season's outstanding performance into the championship journey.