Sunday 13 August 2017 09:26, UK
Jamie Carragher and Jamie Redknapp engage in a heated debate about how to solve Liverpool’s problems at defending set-pieces.
Miguel Britos struck deep into stoppage time as Watford secured a late point following a 3-3 draw with Liverpool, who looked very shaky at defending set-pieces.
Stefano Okaka and the Brittos' equaliser both came courtesy of poor defensive decisions from the Reds back four.
It takes their tally to 27 goals conceded from set-pieces during Jurgen Klopp's reign - the most racked up by any of the top-six during that period.
Redknapp believes the problem rests squarely with individuals and has called for the club to spend big on Virgil van Dijk while Carragher is of the opinion that the manager has to take the flak.
Redknapp said: "I look at that Liverpool back four and there's a reason why they concede so many goals because they're disorganised and they have no leaders at the back. Who wanted to head that ball there? Only Watford players."
However, Carragher disagreed: "On set pieces it's not about the defenders. The way Liverpool are set up - set piece wise - they will always concede goals. No matter which defenders they buy or how much they cost - it won't make a difference.
"On average Liverpool conceded around 50 goals a season. If you want to win the Premier League, you've got to be conceding 30-35 goals. So Liverpool need to take 15 goals away."
The 26-year-old Southampton defender has been the subject of transfer speculation this summer.
Van Dijk, reportedly valued at around £60million by Southampton, handed in a transfer request last week in a move to hopefully force a move away.
And Redknapp thinks Liverpool should stump up the cash for the centre-half in order to improve their defensive problems.
He added: "You need people that want to head the ball. If you can get a leader and someone who wants to attack the ball, you won't go from the worst to the best in a year but it will certainly make a difference. And Liverpool win that game if you have a player like Van Dijk at the back. That's what I think and that's why he wants to spend £60m on him.
"If you're Van Dijk's agent you've got another 20 grand a week on his contract after watching that."
But once again Carragher disagreed, he said: "If Van Dijk was playing instead of Lovren or Matip - he would have been in one of their positions. It comes down to the manager."
Hit the video at the top to watch the heated debate.
