Ally McCoist Identifies Missing Player Who Could Cost Liverpool the Premier League Title

SME News UK. Liverpool’s hopes of retaining their Premier League crown could be undermined by one key omission in the transfer window — according to Scottish football legend Ally McCoist.Speaking on The Breakdown, McCoist analyzed Liverpool’s mixed start to the season, with Arne Slot’s side sitting second in the table, one point behind Arsenal. Despite being widely tipped as favourites to defend their title, the Reds have endured a shaky opening, losing twice in their first seven league games and conceding nine goals — more than any other team in the top six.McCoist believes Liverpool’s defensive frailties stem from a failure to strengthen in one crucial position.> “I’ve gone for Liverpool right at the start of the season [to win the title] as I thought they had an unbelievable window,” McCoist said.“I thought they were brilliant last year, and I thought they’d strengthened. What might — time will tell — cost Liverpool is a player they never got, never mind the players they did get.”Pressed to reveal which player he meant, McCoist pinpointed Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi as the missing piece in Liverpool’s back line. The Reds reportedly came close to securing a deal for the England international before Palace pulled out at the last minute after failing to find a replacement.Former England midfielder Joe Cole echoed McCoist’s concerns, suggesting the aborted move has had a negative impact on Ibrahima Konaté’s form.> “Konaté looks like he’s been space-jammed so far this year — he’s not at it,” Cole said.“He would have been reading the news, expecting Marc Guehi to come in. How much has his head been turned, the ego bruised a little bit?Once you come off that focus a little bit, as a professional, you can have a bad game and it can go. He’s a top player, and if he comes back, those stats will change.”Liverpool have managed only two clean sheets so far this season, conceding six more goals than Arsenal. Analyst Owen Hargreaves believes their defensive instability also stems from uncertainty in other positions.> “I think [Slot] has to figure out who his right-back is,” Hargreaves noted.“He’s got Conor Bradley, and I think that is affecting Konaté. The structure of the midfield is different. If they sort things out defensively, they’ll be fine.”Fernandes Shines Amid Manchester United’s StrugglesWhile Liverpool battle to rediscover their defensive solidity, upcoming opponents Manchester United face problems of their own. The Red Devils sit tenth in the table, with just three wins from seven games under Rúben Amorim.Hargreaves was quick to single out Bruno Fernandes as United’s standout performer, but questioned the manager’s decision to alter his position following the arrivals of Benjamin Šeško and Matheus Cunha.> “Bruno is by far their best player by a country mile,” Hargreaves said.“And then they go and sign two No. 10s to play his position, so he has to play almost as a defensive midfielder.He’s probably the best No. 10 in the division along with Cole Palmer — so why move him? Sign a central midfielder and let Bruno do his thing.”With Liverpool looking to tighten up defensively and United desperate for consistency, the two clubs’ meeting this weekend promises to be one of the most fascinating fixtures of the season so far.