Saturday 27 August 2016 12:46, UK
Liverpool are lacking a defensive midfielder with the power of Spurs’ central pairing, says Jamie Redknapp.
Tottenham v Liverpool was Jurgen Klopp's first game in charge last season and it ended 0-0. I don't think there's any chance of the same result this time around!
Almost a year on from that fixture, Liverpool go to White Hart Lane on the back of last weekend's 2-0 defeat to Burnley in the Premier League, following a 4-3 opening-weekend win at Arsenal. And Jurgen Klopp still has a lot of work to do.
I saw them at Arsenal and there were elements in their game that were fantastic. Their pace, the way they attacked was a joy to watch. But Liverpool are missing a vital element in their midfield.
A lot of the blame when it comes to their defending has been shifted onto Alberto Moreno. He must have thought it was his fault when it was raining the other week. Everyone wanted to point the finger at him.
But there are bigger problems at Liverpool than their left-back - and when they lost to Burnley without him in the team, it highlighted the fact they don't have a defensively-minded player in the middle of the park.
I've always said full-backs don't lose you titles. Not having a proper defensive midfielder can.
Liverpool don’t have the capability to see a game out. Their only form of defence is attack.
It's a vital role. They need someone who knows where to be when they haven't got the ball. That's not Jordan Henderson. He's an attacking midfielder. It's not James Milner, either.
Without that player protecting the defence, you end up with the kind of 'shock' results we've seen Liverpool experience. The defeat at Burnley, last season's losses to Watford and Newcastle.
At times, they're breath-taking going forward. But the balance doesn't seem right between defence and attack. And when the game changes or a goal goes in, they find it very difficult to adapt. They don't have the capability to see a game out. Their only form of defence is attack.
It must leave the manager pulling his hair out.
Tottenham actually play in a similar way to Liverpool - but they do have their defensive strength in the middle of their midfield with Eric Dier and Victor Wanyama.
With those two players, Spurs have real power in their side. They've both played centre-back in their careers, so they understand that side of the game. But Tottenham are physically big across the key areas of the pitch now. And that's a real contrast to the past.
When I used to play against them, you always felt you could bully them off the ball. They were too nice. But this Tottenham team has a real presence about it and I think they could be a force this year.
I interviewed Harry Kane this week and he was very confident. He was happy that people were talking about all the other teams and not focusing on Spurs but he also felt they have all the attributes to do well. If they can manage their Champions League workload they can have another very good season.
I think they can cause Liverpool big problems on Saturday, too. If Spurs press Liverpool - which they will - and win the ball high up the field they can get at the Reds' defence.
Let's put it this way, I can't see Liverpool keeping a clean sheet!
But then again, there are no guarantees Spurs will keep this Liverpool attack out either. You only have to look at that 20-minute spell Liverpool produced against Arsenal to see how dangerous they can be. That's why it's set up to be a great clash.
I think this one could end up in a draw. But Spurs are a little further down the line in terms of their development at the moment and Liverpool are going to have to be right on their game to get a result.
