“What is he watching?” – Arne Slot slammed over use of ‘weak point’ Liverpool star | OneFootball

Liverpool Midfield Concerns Grow After Spurs Draw

Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur has triggered renewed scrutiny of Arne Slot’s midfield selections. With the Premier League champions currently sitting fifth and battling to secure Champions League football, performances are being analysed with increasing intensity.

Speaking to Dave Davis on Anfield Index’s Media Matters podcast, journalist David Lynch highlighted major concerns about Liverpool’s midfield balance, particularly the struggles of Alexis Mac Allister.

While criticism was directed towards the Argentine, Lynch also offered a more measured assessment of Ryan Gravenberch, suggesting the Dutch midfielder’s display deserved a little more context.

Mixed Review for Gravenberch

Gravenberch’s performance did not escape analysis, though Lynch’s verdict suggested the numbers offered a more balanced picture than the general reaction might imply.

“For Gravenberch, he wins 8/12 ground duels, which isn’t too bad. But for me, it’s the guy beside him.”

The statistic points to a player who at least competed physically in midfield, even if Liverpool lacked overall control of the match. In a side currently struggling to find cohesion, individual contributions can often become magnified.

Lynch also reinforced his belief in the Dutchman’s long term future at Anfield.

“I’m still a big believer in Gravenberch and I think the club were right to renew his contract. He’s still very young and in a fucntioning team, he is going to be a brilliant player again.”

For a player still developing and adapting to Liverpool’s system, the expectation remains that his best years are ahead.

Mac Allister Form Raises Serious Questions

The sharper criticism was reserved for Mac Allister, whose difficult season continued during the Tottenham match.

“But with Mac Allister, I’m hugely concerned with what is going on there.”

It reflects a growing frustration among observers who remember how influential the midfielder was during Liverpool’s title winning campaign under Slot last season.

“I really can’t understand why he is still in the team. He has been such a weak point all season.”

Numbers from the Spurs match only intensified that concern.

“I was such a big fan of him last season and I thought he was the most important midfielder in the team.”

“But he wins 2/12 ground duels yesterday and for some reason he is staying in the team.”

Those figures underline the lack of physical presence and defensive reliability that Liverpool currently require in the middle of the pitch.

Photo: IMAGO

Selection Debate Around Arne Slot

Lynch’s comments ultimately turned towards the bigger question surrounding Liverpool’s current situation, the decision making of manager Arne Slot.

“What is he [Arne Slot] watching? What is he watching to not see how much Mac Allister is struggling and how big of an effect that is happening on the team.”

When a team underperforms, tactical choices and team selections inevitably become part of the discussion. Liverpool’s midfield has often looked unbalanced this season, lacking both control and defensive protection.

Lynch even suggested that an alternative option might currently offer more reliability.

“Even if you don’t rate Curtis Jones very highly, he is a better player than Mac Allister in this moment. There’s not a question about that, surely!”

For Liverpool, the stakes remain high. Champions League qualification now defines the season, and solving the midfield puzzle may determine whether the Reds secure their place among Europe’s elite next year.