Liverpool has become a more defensive team this season, insists Jamie Carragher, club legend

Jamie Carragher believes that Liverpool has become a more defensive team under Jurgen Klopp this season, thanks to the presence of Virgil Van Dijk and Alisson.

The devastating attack that propelled Liverpool into the Champions League final fell slightly. Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane have both fought for goals on several occasions, but their backs have conceded just five goals in 13 Premier League matches.

Since arriving in Southampton in January, Van Dijk has achieved the exorbitant price of £ 75 million, forming a formidable defensive partnership with Joe Gomez, while Alisson has turned out to be a huge improvement over Simon Mignolet and the much maligned Loris Karius in goals. .

Carragher believes that Liverpool is now a team closer to the best teams in which he has evolved over his career, their success no longer dependent on their goals.

"It's interesting because the entire season counts for the year when Liverpool will start playing like last season," said former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports expert in "Monday Night Football". "However, we may be at the stage where we are wondering if Liverpool is slightly different this season.

"Do not forget that there is no Philippe Coutinho. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has shown great motivation and speed from the midfield. The top three were also at the World Cup. You now have Virgil van Dijk and a goalkeeper.

"Is it a bit like the Liverpool teams where I played? Last season, I said that this team was playing football and that our teams had never played. But in fact, it goes back a little bit maybe [Rafa] Benitez and [Gerard] Houllier is in a way.

"They probably play a little more football than us, but they can count on the defense to win a game."

Liverpool are second in the Premier League, two points behind leader Manchester City, after winning 10 wins and three draws in their first 13 games this season. They scored 14 goals less than City, but they kept eight white sheets.

Follow independent sport on Instagram here to discover the best images, videos and stories from the sports world.