Liverpool’s defensive frailties exposed as Van Dijk and Konate struggle amidst ongoing slump.

Liverpool’s once-impregnable defense has become a glaring weakness in recent months, contributing significantly to a dramatic downturn in form that sees the Merseyside club struggling to maintain their competitive edge. The Reds suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat at Anfield against PSV Eindhoven in a Champions League group stage match on Wednesday night, a result that underscores the deep-seated problems plaguing Arne Slot’s squad.

This latest setback extends a worrying trend that began in late September 2025. In a stark contrast to their dominant form earlier in the season, Liverpool have now lost nine of their last twelve matches across all competitions. This period of instability marks a significant departure from the team’s early season form, where they enjoyed a five-game winning streak that hinted at a potential title challenge. The club’s summer investment, which saw significant sums spent on acquiring players such as Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, has so far failed to translate into improved performances on the pitch.

The central defensive partnership of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, once considered among the strongest in Europe, has come under intense scrutiny. Both players have appeared increasingly vulnerable, lacking the pace and agility to effectively deal with opposition attacks. This vulnerability has been particularly noticeable in Liverpool’s high defensive line, a tactic that relies heavily on the speed and recovery pace of the central defenders.

Football analyst Mohamad Kusnaeni, known as Bung Kus, has attributed Liverpool’s recent struggles to strategic missteps in the summer transfer window. Specifically, he points to the club’s failure to secure the signature of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi as a critical error. In Bung Kus’s analysis, Guehi’s pace and defensive capabilities would have provided a crucial element of speed to Liverpool’s backline, a quality he believes is currently lacking.

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"In my opinion, the key factor is primarily the failure to bring in Marc Guehi," Bung Kus stated in an interview with detikSport. "If you look at Arne Slot’s style of play, which relies on high pressing and quick transitions, it is very important to have players who possess speed. The problem is that Liverpool this season does not have that element of speed."

He further elaborated on the importance of pace in central defense, particularly within Liverpool’s tactical setup. "A fast player in the center-back position is very important because Liverpool plays a defensive system with a high defensive line; the defenders must be quick. There should be someone who can cover those gaps."

Van Dijk, now 34, has shown signs of decline, with his pace and agility diminishing with age. Konate, while physically imposing, has never been known for his speed, making him less effective in covering the ground required by Liverpool’s defensive system. The combination of these factors has led to a series of defensive lapses, contributing to the team’s vulnerability and the ease with which opponents have been able to breach their defense.

The statistics paint a grim picture of Liverpool’s defensive woes. They have conceded an average of two goals per game in their last twelve matches, a stark contrast to their defensive record in previous seasons. This increased vulnerability has placed significant pressure on the team’s attacking players to outscore their opponents, a strategy that has proven unsustainable in the face of stronger opposition.

The struggles of Van Dijk and Konate have also had a knock-on effect on the rest of the team. The lack of confidence in the central defense has led to a more cautious approach from the full-backs, limiting their attacking contributions. The midfield has also been forced to provide additional cover, reducing their ability to create attacking opportunities.

The defeat to PSV Eindhoven highlighted these defensive issues in stark terms. PSV’s attackers were able to exploit the space behind Liverpool’s high defensive line, with quick through balls and incisive runs causing constant problems for Van Dijk and Konate. The Dutch side’s first goal came from a swift counter-attack, with the PSV forward outpacing Konate before slotting the ball past the goalkeeper. The second goal was a result of a defensive mix-up between Van Dijk and Konate, allowing a PSV attacker to capitalize on the confusion and score from close range.

Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, has acknowledged the team’s defensive problems but has so far struggled to find a solution. He has experimented with different defensive pairings and tactical adjustments, but none have yielded the desired results. The pressure is mounting on Slot to find a way to shore up the defense and turn around Liverpool’s fortunes before the season spirals out of control.

The upcoming fixtures present a challenging test for Liverpool. They face a series of tough matches against top-tier opponents, including Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal. These games will provide a crucial opportunity for Liverpool to prove their mettle and demonstrate that they can overcome their current struggles. However, if the defensive frailties persist, Liverpool could face further setbacks and a significant dent in their ambitions for the season.

The focus now shifts to how Liverpool will address these issues in the coming weeks. Whether it involves tactical adjustments, changes in personnel, or a renewed focus on defensive training, the club must find a way to restore its defensive solidity if it hopes to compete at the highest level. The performances of Van Dijk and Konate will be closely scrutinized, and their ability to rediscover their form will be critical to Liverpool’s success. The clock is ticking for Arne Slot and his team as they seek to navigate this challenging period and reclaim their status as one of Europe’s top clubs. The January transfer window could also provide an opportunity to bolster the defense, although securing a high-quality defender mid-season is often a difficult task. The coming months will undoubtedly be a defining period for Liverpool, and their ability to overcome their defensive woes will ultimately determine their fate.

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Ahmad Zein Salamo

Ahmad Zein Salamo is a dedicated football journalist at Sports News Break, covering the global game with a sharp eye for detail and passion for storytelling. With years of experience following Europe’s top leagues and international tournaments, he delivers insightful analysis, match previews, and breaking news with journalistic integrity and depth.

His reporting combines tactical understanding with a human perspective, highlighting not only the drama on the pitch but also the stories that shape the sport beyond it. From Champions League nights to grassroots football, Ahmad’s work reflects a true love for the beautiful game and a commitment to bringing readers closer to the action.

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