'Liverpool shouldn’t be written off and neither should Karius'

Liverpool’s stellar start to the season should spark encouragement and not overreaction following an off-day, according to the club’s former player Neil Mellor. 

With Jurgen Klopp’s side suffering just two defeats in 18 games across all competitions - the second of which came in a 4-3 collapse at Bournemouth last weekend, the striker-turned-pundit pointed out there is more to applaud than admonish for the Reds. 

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Sunday's capitulation at Dean Court after holding a two-goal advantage with 75 minutes played came off the back of a 15-match unbeaten run, and with Liverpool seven points better off than at the same stage last season, third in the standings, and highlighted by several opposition managers as the hardest to overcome in the division, Mellor feels it’s important to view the loss in context. 

“Liverpool are still in a very strong position in terms of the league table. After the Burnley defeat earlier on in the season, which was bitterly disappointing performance and result, Liverpool responded really well to go 15 games unbeaten,” he told Goal, while helping to unveil the new 888sport colours at Deepdale following a fan vote to oust the Blackpool-esque tangerine from Preston’s ground. 

“There’s been lots of excitement that the team has produced, they’ve blown many opposition sides away and I think the supporters have to be encouraged by the direction Liverpool are taking under Jurgen Klopp.

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“Yes, the Bournemouth loss was disappointing, especially from being in such a comfortable position, but there’s a feeling that there will be a big reaction again as was the case after Burnley.”

The Merseysiders are three points better off than they were at this period of the campaign during the 2013-14 title tilt, having recorded five more goals, and Mellor notes that Liverpool’s aspirations for this term is bolstered by their collaborative might. 

The club's had 14 different scorers this season, with Sadio Mane firing in seven times, Brazilian duo Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho managing six each, while Divock Origi and James Milner have both beaten an opposition keeper five times.

Mellor, while acknowledging Liverpool have to do better to cut out avoidable goals, also debunked the notion that the defence is struggling.

“Liverpool have become a feared team in the Premier League, because of their attacking quality and their collective strength,” he said.

“Before Klopp came in, there was an over-reliance on Daniel Sturridge, for example, to be fit and to score goals. Now, it’s a more collaborative effort, with the contribution spread around. 

“I think that sends a message to the rest of the Premier League, and opposition managers have said this, but if you stop one, there’s still others to do the business.

“There are some avoidable goals Liverpool need to cut out conceding, but up until Bournemouth, they looked solid defensively of recent. 

“[Joel] Matip has come in and been excellent, he’s formed a good partnership with [Dejan] Lovren and obviously, he was a big miss on the weekend.

“Loris Karius is still settling in the Premier League as well. He got some stick for a couple of goals at Bournemouth, and he should have done better, but he’s young with great potential that Klopp wants to work with and get the best out of. 

“When it’s been the first-choice defence, Liverpool have been very hard to break down and opponents haven’t been given much joy. With the way the team plays, with such an explosive attack, the risk is that you will concede, but it’s just about limiting the soft and avoidable goals. 

“I don’t think the defence is as big a worry as a lot of people are trying to make out.”

Mellor believes the criticism of Karius - yet to reach double figures in appearances for Liverpool in the league - has been too severe and swift.

“Patience is a rare thing in the modern game as the focus is all on results, but if you have just some of it and allow players time to settle, you can see them prosper,” he said.

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“[Jordan] Henderson got some stick when he arrived, [Adam] Lallana did, and [Roberto] Firmino had it just last year and now they’re all vital parts of the team.

“It’ll be the same for Karius. He’s a young goalkeeper, he’s come into a new league, he’s adjusting to a new lifestyle, new team-mates, new demands and you’ve got to be patient with him. 

“Jurgen Klopp believes that he’s going to be a top goalkeeper and you’ve got to trust that the manager’s got it right. 

“He’s only 10 games into his Liverpool career and yes, he made mistakes at Bournemouth, but before that, he’s looked alright. 

“He’s comfortable in possession of the ball, and that allows the team to extend their dominance over the opposition. 

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“It’s very early days for him. If Karius is making the same mistakes week in and week out, then there’s a decision to be made, but Klopp believes and trusts he can be a top-class keeper and it’s just patience that’s needed. 

“Mistakes happen for all players, but it’s how you respond to them that will dictate whether you can reach the top in the long term.”