Liverpool's Midfield Muddle Could Cost Them Against De Zerbi's Brighton
This weekend's trip to the Amex feels like a proper test for Liverpool, maybe more so than some folks are giving it credit for. Brighton under Roberto De Zerbi isn't just a tough out; they're a puzzle. They beat the Reds 3-0 in January and knocked them out of the FA Cup a few weeks later with a 2-1 win. That's two losses, two different competitions, both in 2023. Jürgen Klopp hasn't exactly figured them out.
Liverpool's midfield, rebuilt as it is, still looks a bit shaky. Dominik Szoboszlai has been a revelation, scoring that absolute rocket against Leicester in the Carabao Cup. Alexis Mac Allister is finding his feet, but against his old club, you wonder if the emotion might be a factor. And Curtis Jones, for all his flashes, is still inconsistent. They're missing that true defensive anchor, that N'Golo Kante-type who just snuffs out everything. Wataru Endo is a decent squad player, but he's not the answer against a side that moves the ball with the precision Brighton does. Look, Brighton completed 608 passes to Liverpool's 435 in that 3-0 thrashing back in January. That's not just possession; that's control, and it speaks volumes about where the game was won and lost.
**De Zerbi's Attacking Chess Match**
De Zerbi's system isn't about parking the bus and hitting on the counter. It's about suffocating you with possession, drawing you in, and then exploiting the spaces. They'll have Solly March and Kaoru Mitoma flying down the wings, cutting inside. Mitoma, in particular, caused Trent Alexander-Arnold fits in both games last season. He’s got that burst, that unpredictability. And up front, Evan Ferguson, even at 18, is a handful. He scored against Fulham and has already bagged four goals this season. Brighton's 15 goals scored so far this Premier League campaign put them among the league's top attackers. They aren't just pretty; they're productive.
Liverpool's defense, especially on the flanks, has looked vulnerable. Alexander-Arnold’s defensive positioning sometimes leaves a bit to be desired, and teams with quick wingers exploit that. We saw it against Wolves, even in a winning effort, and again against Spurs, though that was a chaotic game for other reasons. Virgil van Dijk's return from suspension will help, but he can't cover for everyone. This isn't the impenetrable Liverpool defense of 2018-2020. They've conceded 9 goals in 7 league games, which is hardly title-winning form.
Here's the thing: Brighton isn't going to be intimidated. They've already beaten Manchester United 3-1 at Old Trafford this season. They play without fear, and they play with a clear identity. Liverpool, for all their attacking talent, still feel like a team in transition, especially away from Anfield. Mo Salah is still Mo Salah, with 3 goals and 4 assists in the league. Darwin Núñez has looked sharp at times. But it's the collective cohesion, particularly in midfield and preventing transitions, where they sometimes fall short. My hot take? Brighton exploits Liverpool's midfield gaps and snatches a narrow 2-1 victory.