Danny Murphy hit’s back at a Liverpool supporter who branded his former club an ‘ordinary team’.
Danny Murphy was less than impressed when a Liverpool fan rang into talkSPORT to criticise his team. The caller took issue with Arne Slot’s wide options, before claiming there was a shortage of depth in midfield.
He did speak highly of Ryan Gravenberch, a point which Murphy agreed with. However, the former Reds midfielder was unwilling to accept that Liverpool needed another player to operate in the pivot role.
He said: “Defensive midfield, Gravenberch has probably been one of the best in Europe for the last 12 months, 18 months, so that’s nonsense. And they got Endo on the bench if they need someone to come in and just be tenacious.”
The caller on the show, asked Murphy what would happen if Gravenberch was ruled out with an injury and the pundit was quick to point out that the reigning champions already have a backup option.
“Well they put Endo in don’t they?” he replied. “I’m not saying he’s the world’s best but who are you going to get to sit on the bench? Endo played three-quarters of the season when Liverpool were going for the quadruple in Klopp’s last year.”
The caller also claimed that dutch duo Gravenberch, Virgil van Dijk and Alexander Isak were the heart of Slot’s team and expressed concern at the prospect of them picking up injuries. He even went as far as calling Liverpool an ‘ordinary team’ at the moment.
Murphy responded: “One of the problems, the full-backs are a problem. We look a bit vulnerable in the full-back areas, that’s for sure. Hence the fact we’ve been playing [Dominik] Szoboszlai there.
“So [Connor] Bradley’s not been fit pre-season. He’s just getting his fitness up. Frimpong’s struggled a little bit.
However, he continued to refuse the premise that Liverpool need another central midfielder, indicating that there were no available options who would be happy to sit on the bench.
“So wide areas has been a problem, central midfield isn’t a problem right now,” Murphy said. “Yes, ideally you’d want another holding midfielder who’s brilliant who you can bring in, but nobody has world class…”
The show host interrupted Murphy to explain that players were still getting used to playing at weekends and in midweek, which could cause more injuries.
However, the former midfielder was unwilling to accept the point made because the concept of having lots of matches in one season is nothing new.
In fact, he pointed out Gravenberch’s record last season, when the only time the midfielder was sidelined was for a short spell in March.
Murphy added: “Liverpool did it [played lots of fixtures] last season and Gravenberch didn’t miss a game. Where’s this thing that everybody’s gonna get injured?”
With all the money Liverpool spent during the summer transfer window, it seems unlikely they would attempt to sign another midfielder in January. As Murphy and the caller said, there are problems which need addressing out wide.
Liverpool would also benefit from adding another centre-back to their squad and remain interested in Marc Guehi.
