Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville says the absence of a world-class holding midfielder could stop Liverpool from challenging for the title this season.

While he doesn’t rule out the Reds from finishing top of the table, Neville claims they would stand a better chance if they had a player like Rodri or Declan Rice:

“The midfield is attacking, has it got the defensive stability of what we have seen here today [at Arsenal and Manchester City]? If you put Rodri or Declan Rice in Liverpool’s holding midfield position, I’d be saying Liverpool would definitely be on for the title.”

“My question mark is whether they’ve got enough solidity in midfield or enough defensive strength and power. So I don’t think Liverpool are quite there, but they are in the race.”

The Brighton game was a prime example of Liverpool’s midfield deficiencies

Alexi Mac Allister is an excellent player but he is playing out of position as a no.6. Although he wasn’t the only one to blame for Brighton’s first goal on Sunday, the fact that he had the ball taken off him demonstrates he isn’t comfortable playing in the role.

The Argentinian international has picked up 3 yellow cards and one (rescinded) red card as well, which shows he is being asked to do too much in the middle of the pitch. Neville is right that a specialist No. 6 would help Liverpool and allow Mac Allister to play in a more natural position.

Are Liverpool genuine title contenders?

With Jurgen Klopp‘s side just 3 points off the top after 8 games, you certainly can’t write off their title chances, but you worry about their defensive solidity.

The Brighton game was the fifth time this season already they have conceded the first goal. Keeping more clean sheets is vital if Liverpool are to be real contenders.