Liverpool have enjoyed plenty of possession during the opening weeks of Andoni Iraola’s reign.
But there is one statistic that suggests the Reds aren’t making enough of that possession — and it should concern the new Liverpool head coach.
According to Jimmy Murphy, Liverpool have lost possession 545 times in their first four Premier League games.
That is the third-highest total in the entire division.
Only Brentford, with 587, and Fulham, with 552, have lost the ball more.
And when you consider Liverpool are averaging more than 60% possession, that figure becomes even more interesting.
Liverpool are having the ball — but what are they doing with it?
Possession for possession’s sake means very little.
You can have 60% or 65% of the ball and still fail to control a football match.
We’ve already seen evidence of that this season.
Liverpool dominated possession in several matches but have struggled at times to turn that control into sustained pressure, clear chances and goals.
The 0-0 draw with Fulham was perhaps the clearest example yet.
Liverpool had the ball, but Fulham looked more dangerous for long periods and created some of the better opportunities.
That isn’t what you expect from a side enjoying that much possession at Anfield.
Losing the ball is becoming a problem
There is obviously nothing wrong with taking risks.
Liverpool have always been a team that wants to play on the front foot, move the ball quickly and attack.
But there is a difference between positive risk-taking and repeatedly giving the ball away cheaply.
Every turnover gives the opposition an opportunity to attack the spaces Liverpool have left behind.
And that becomes particularly dangerous when the midfield isn’t controlling the game.
That has been one of the biggest concerns during Iraola’s opening weeks.
Liverpool can look very good when everything clicks.
But when the passing becomes sloppy and the ball is turned over, the team can suddenly look vulnerable.
This is where the midfield question comes in
It is difficult not to connect this statistic with the concerns over Liverpool’s midfield.
The combination of Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai has not consistently given Liverpool the control we expected.
There is plenty of talent there.
But Liverpool need midfielders who can not only progress the ball but also protect possession and dictate the tempo.
Mac Allister showed against Fulham how much difference he can make when he comes onto the pitch and brings composure and control.
That cannot be left entirely on his shoulders.
And perhaps this is another reason why the reported interest in players such as Manu Koné is worth watching.
Liverpool need more options.
Iraola has a big job on his hands
None of this means Liverpool are suddenly a bad team.
They have only played four league matches under a new head coach.
Iraola is trying to change the way Liverpool play while working with a squad largely built for a different system.
That takes time.
But these statistics give him something to work on.
Liverpool cannot simply dominate possession — they need to dominate what happens when they have it.
If the Reds are going to become a serious force under Iraola, they have to become more efficient with the ball, reduce unnecessary turnovers and make their possession hurt the opposition.
Because having more than 60% of the ball means very little if you’re giving it away 545 times in four games.
That is a number Iraola will certainly want to see come down.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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