David James: Teams are working out how to beat Liverpool

Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James has told William Hill that his old side’s struggles this season are less down to personnel and more down to tactics.

When asked why he thought Liverpool hadn’t been as good this season as in previous campaigns under Jurgen Klopp, James said: “I think it’s a number of factors. Last season they had two firsts and two seconds meaning they played every game possible and there must be an element of mental and physical fatigue as a result.

“The manner of the defeat in the Champions League final as well coming so close to catching Manchester City in the Premier League can only mentally have a detrimental effect. Picking yourself up after that is really tough and throw in the number of the injuries the squad has had this time around, it’s pretty clear why they have struggled.”

Much has been made of Liverpool’s frailties at the back this season, with the Reds keeping just four clean sheets in 17 Premier League games, leading to many fans hoping for reinforcements in the January transfer window. However, James, speaking at the launch of William Hill’s new shop in Liverpool Central, doesn’t see his former club doing much business this month.

“When Jurgen [Klopp] came in, he didn’t really sign anyone in the first transfer window he was in charge,” he said. “This was basically his way of telling the players ‘I’m giving you the chance to prove yourself’. I think essentially this transfer window he’s going to do the same thing in that he trusts this group of players who have been so successful for him and he’s wanting them to prove themselves ahead of the summer when there are clearly going to be plenty of additions coming through the door.

“[Cody] Gakpo has obviously come in, but it was pretty clear that with [Luis] Diaz and [Diogo] Jota out injured, Liverpool had to strengthen in forward areas. I hear a lot of fans say that’s not the problem area and clearly the fact they are conceding more goals than normal is an issue, but I don’t think it’s an individual problem as much as teams are beginning to work out how Liverpool play.

“The way they play has been the same for a number of years now and when you play the same style for several seasons, teams begin to work you out. I don’t think it’s the players at this stage that need changing, more so that a few tactical tweaks, particularly defensively, will make a massive difference.”

While Liverpool have struggled to keep clean sheets this season, their defensive record would have been far worse had it not been for goalkeeper Alisson, and James believes the Merseyside club have the best in the world in his position.

“Alisson has had to be better than ever this year because of how poor Liverpool have been defensively and I think it’s just confirmed that he’s the best goalkeeper in the world.

“He does everything so well and there really aren’t any weaknesses in his game. I’ve met him a few times and I can also say that he’s the nicest bloke in the world too! Liverpool are very lucky to have him.”