Ex-Liverpool goalkeeper David James has weighed in on his former club’s start to the season, praising their winning start but adding that there is still work to be done.
The former England international believes that Liverpool are doing well with two wins in two Premier League matches but added stressed that they still “look a bit vulnerable at times.”
Liverpool, the reigning league champions, have opened their title defense with thrilling back-to-back victories over Bournemouth and Newcastle United.
Late heroics from Mohamed Salah and Federico Chiesa carried them to a win over the Cherries in their opening match, while breakout star Rio Ngumoha’s stoppage-time winner saw them take all three points over Newcastle.
Those results have them sitting third in the early table, but James believes there are still issues that need resolving if the Reds are to retain their crown.
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What does James believe Liverpool need to do?
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast earlier this week, James reflected on what he has seen from his former club in their first outings of the season, including the Community Shield loss to Crystal Palace.
“Arne [Slot] has got some thinking and sorting out to do because a few things cropped up in the three games - if you include the [Community Shield] game against Crystal Palace,” James said.
“Aerially you would think Liverpool were going to be dominant with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate in there, but they look a little bit vulnerable at times.
“It's good that they are winning but there is still room for Arne to do some work.”
James, who made 214 appearances for the Reds between 1992 and 1999, highlighted that while the Reds’ attacking depth has already bailed them out, the back line remains an area of concern.
And Liverpool’s defensive numbers back up James’ point.
The Reds have conceded four goals across their opening two Premier League fixtures, the first time that has happened since the 2016-17 campaign.
Against Newcastle, they conceded two goals despite their opponent being down to 10 men – something they have not done in a league game since 2001.
With such vulnerabilities in mind, Liverpool are continuing to explore options in the transfer market.
Palace captain Marc Guehi, whose contract expires in 2026, is the Reds’ top target, with reports suggesting talks are ongoing over a fee in the region of £35m.
For now, though, James’ message is clear: Liverpool may be winning now, but if they want to stay ahead in what promises to be a fierce title race, they must find their defensive stability quickly.
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