"I'm just giving my opinion" - Pundit criticises Liverpool's defensive set-up

Pundit John Giles has taken aim at Liverpool's defensive set-up.

The Reds have been very good defensively this season. Liverpool have only conceded 20 goals in 29 Premier League fixtures.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has had his defenders playing a high line for the entire 2021-22 campaign. Going by the aforementioned figures, the German's tactic is working.

However, that has not stopped Giles criticising Liverpool's defensive set-up.

“Liverpool have terrific players, and I see the stats which are impressive, but it doesn’t mean it’s right," he told The Stand with Eamon Dunphy, as quoted by HITC.

"If they did it the way I think they should do it, they don’t need to use the high line, it’s the old offside trap from my day, it’s the same thing.

"I don’t think they need to put themselves in any danger with the players they have. I don’t think they need to play the high line in the way they play it.

"I’m just giving my opinion, the high line with the players they have isn’t necessary, and they would concede even less if they weren’t doing it."

Anfield Watch Verdict

Giles' comments don't really add up when you look at Liverpool's defensive record this season. The reality is, the Reds possess some top defenders.

Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson are all good enough technically to set-up with a high line.

Other teams with less capable defenders would get exposed playing the way that Liverpool do.

Sure, there have been times when the Reds' high line has been caught out this season. But, for the most part, Klopp's defence has held up when opposition teams are putting some pressure on.

Therefore, we do find it strange that not only Giles has critiqued Liverpool's defensive set-up at different times this season.