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Former Anfield favorite believes Reds ‘lost their way’ amid injury crisis that left Jurgen Klopp without several key players
Liverpool “have everything to do” to finish in the top four in the Premier League, according to Peter Crouch, who says that “the balance is completely over”.
The reigning champions slipped 19 points behind current leaders Manchester City after suffering a fourth straight loss at Anfield on Saturday – this time to rivals Everton.
Liverpool were well below their best in the 2-0 defeat, and Crouch now fears his former club may qualify for the Champions League amid a growing injury crisis.
What was said?
Crouch told the Daily mail: “They’ve been out of step lately but to be honest I looked back to the start of the season and there were some warning signs.
“I just feel that there has been a big drop and the team’s balance has completely disappeared. No Virgil van Dijk has led to no Jordan Henderson and Fabinho in midfield; these two players provide so much and without them orchestrating things, Liverpool have lost their way.
“It’s not something I ever expected to write, but they really have everything to do if they want to finish in the top four. I don’t want to watch the derby, however, without giving Everton credit because they played really well. “
Can Liverpool still be in the top four?
The Premier League title is certainly out of reach for the Reds with just 13 appearances to go, but they could still save a place in the elite European competition if they can rediscover a consistent streak.
West Ham are currently five points above Liverpool in fourth, while Chelsea have three ahead of them in fifth and Everton are on the same number of points after playing one game less than their local rivals.
If Jurgen Klopp’s side ultimately fail in their bid for a fourth place finish, they will need to win the Champions League to qualify for the competition again in 2021-22.
And after?
Liverpool will now prepare for a meeting with Premier League long-distance club Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Sunday.
The Merseyside side are set to host their top four prospects Chelsea four days later before facing Fulham at Anfield on March 7.
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