Liverpool defeated Bournemouth 4-2 in the first round of the 2025/26 Premier League, but Reds legend Harman expressed concerns about the team's defensive problems.
Harman said of the team's performance and two new full-backs Korkz and Flynnon, "Looking at the whole 90-minute game, you never feel that Liverpool really has control of the game."
"You know that this is one of their biggest advantages last season, but the two sides were in a tug-of-war in this game."
"Liverpool has difficulty creating opportunities in 90 minutes, but instead gives opponents a lot of opportunities to take advantage of."
"I think if the team cannot control the game without the ball, it will be even more difficult to do when there is a ball. I think part of the reason, or the fundamental problem, is that Liverpool's defense is as fragile as it is against Crystal Palace."
"Korkez has been struggling in both games so far. Although Flynnon has impact and speed on the offensive end, he Not a qualified right back. "
"I think they have to solve this problem because without Arnold in the team's tactics will change."
After talking about Arnold, Harman continued: "They performed equally well in possession last season because they could use it to exhaust the opponent's physical strength and score when the opponent's physical strength dropped in the second half. "
"With Arnold, you have one of the best passers in the Premier League, he is a right back and sometimes receive the middle inside."
"When Arnold gets the ball, as long as there is three or four yards and a little time, the opponent will immediately shrink the defense because they know that Arnold can accurately send the ball to whatever position he wants.
"As long as Arnold holds the ball on the court, he can pull the opponent's defense open. "
" This gives other teammates more time in the midfield, because his passing ability makes the opponent dare not easily press, and other teammates have room to run. "
" Obviously, such a scene will not happen again this season, because Flynnon is a completely different type of player. ”