Liverpool ‘lack characters’ and need to work harder to compete in the Premier League this season, says former Reds favourite John Aldridge.
Liverpool won the Premier League in 2025 but were miles off the pace last season.
The Reds eventually finished fifth in the Premier League, 25 points behind champions Arsenal, with manager Arne Slot paying the price.
Andoni Iraola has come in and overseen a quiet summer so far. And with Mo Salah, Andrew Robertson and Ibrahima Konate all leaving the club Aldridge thinks the squad is light on experience.
“There were characters everywhere in the squad two or three years ago, but I think they’re lacking in that department now,” Aldridge told 101 Great Goals in conjunction with BetGoodwin.
“Players like James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Andy Robertson are exactly what you want in the dressing room and they’re hard to replace.
“The best teams I played in had characters. They made training enjoyable because you had a laugh and you looked forward to being together, but you also worked really hard. You’ve got to be serious when the time comes, but it’s still important to have fun and build team spirit.”
Aldridge won the league title and FA Cup with Liverpool in the 1980s before enjoying a prolific spell in Spain and a long spell in charge at Tranmere Rovers.
He wants to see more from Liverpool’s players this season and does not buy into claims that they are overworked.
He said: “I liked Andoni Iraola’s honesty when he came out and said that his players didn’t have the energy to last 90 minutes. We could all see that last season and they dropped too many points in the final minutes. They weren’t fit enough physically or mentally. What we saw from them last season wasn’t what a Liverpool side should be.
“They had their injury problems, but you can’t use that as an excuse for getting outrun by your opposition. Chelsea only outran their opponents twice last season, and that was both the games against Liverpool. That shouldn’t happen at Liverpool.
“When it comes to the conversation about players “burning out”, I’m probably a bit of a dinosaur. After the World Cup in 1994, I was 36 going on 37, I only had eight days off and I trained every day, then I went straight back to playing for Tranmere Rovers in Division Two. I needed a rest and at that age it is tough, but I still did really well.
“I’m not having it when people say players are burnt out. How can the Liverpool players be burnt out when they’ve basically had 12 months rest when you look at how they played last season? They’re young, fit, they get the best nutrition and the best training – just get on with it!”
Liverpool have signed Victor Munoz this summer but are still short of attacking options, with a move for PSG winger Bradley Barcola still being mooted.
Aldridge thinks it’s one area they do need to still work on.
“It is a big ask for young Rio Ngumoha to come straight in and fill Mo Salah’s shoes,” Aldridge said.
“That said, the crowd love him and he is the new favourite at Anfield. There’s a buzz in the stadium any time he gets the ball.
“Liverpool are being held to ransom by PSG at the moment with the Barcola transfer. As good as he is, PSG are throwing around figures like €140 million and that is a load of nonsense.
“I do think Liverpool need another winger because you basically need two starting XIs in the Premier League nowadays.”
Liverpool start their Premier League season against Newcastle on Sunday 23 August.
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