Gary Neville says Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool would ‘definitely’ challenge for the Premier League title if they had Declan Rice or Rodri in midfield.
After Manchester City were beaten 1-0 by Arsenal on Sunday, losing back-to-back league matches for the first time since 2018, it has opened that Premier League title door.
Liverpool, who look far better than last season, are one of the teams hoping to challenge at the top again, but Neville questioned if they have that ‘defensive stability’ in the middle of the park to do so, as he told Sky Sports.
Following the exit of Fabinho in the summer, the Reds have lost that reliable defensive brain and performer in the midfield, even though the Brazil star’s performances had fallen off a cliff.
But with Declan Rice and Rodri, who was suspended for yesterday’s game, two of the best number six’s in the Premier League.
It raised the question from Neville about how those two players would transform a team like Liverpool and their chances to win the title.
Declan Rice and Rodri at Liverpool
“The midfield is attacking,” said Neville. “Has it got the defensive stability of what we have seen here today when Rodri comes back in (for Manchester City) and then when you see Rice, Partey and Jorginho (for Arsenal)?
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“Have they got that defensive stability, Liverpool? If you put Declan Rice in Liverpool’s holding midfield position or you put Rodri in there, then I would say Liverpool would definitely be on for the title.
“My question mark is whether or not they have enough solidity, defensive strength or power in midfield. I don’t think Liverpool would quite get there, but they are in the race, no doubt, because of the manager because of the manager. He is outstanding. One of the best.”
Liverpool to challenge for Premier League title?
Hours before Arsenal and Manchester City could lock horns, Jurgen Klopp’s side dropped points away at the always-impressive Brighton.
Once again, it was Liverpool shooting themselves in the foot from a defensive aspect, so from that perspective, it answers Neville’s question that they would be pushing for that first spot with a Rice or Rodri.
It’s all about being at the main table in March. If Liverpool are sitting at that table, then with the attack they have, their manager and someone like Mohamed Salah, then it will make them very dangerous indeed.