Alan Shearer says the quiet part out loud about Liverpool being 'miles off' last year

Alan Shearer claims Liverpool was miles off its performances last year after the Reds drew to Burnley at Anfield, hinting that a positional change has cost them this season

Former Newcastle and England striker Alan Shearer(Image: Getty Images)

Alan Shearer has hinted that Liverpool is missing Trent Alexander-Arnold after the Reds drew to Burnley at home.

Midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai missed a first-half penalty after Cody Gakpo was judged to have been fouled in the box, with the Hungarian rattling the crossbar.

That miss initially proved inconsequential as Florian Wirtz opened the scoring, finishing calmly past Martin Dubravka after being set up by Curtis Jones inside the area.

Liverpool appeared poised to build on the lead, but Marcus Edwards brought the visitors level. The Reds were then forced to search for another breakthrough and, despite sustained pressure, it was unable to break down a resolute Burnley defence.

Speaking on Match of the Day, Shearer believes the changes at full-back have hindered the Reds this season. “Those 12 games unbeaten feel very underwhelming, doesn't it? There's lots of things missing in that Liverpool team, they're not as dynamic, especially in the full-back positions" said the former Newcastle striker.

”They're miles off from what they were in midfield last year, the back four isn't getting the protection that they got last year.

”Ekitike's been the standout, and also they've got Salah to come back, is that going to cause an issue with what happened before he went away? We'll have to see.

”They're miles off from what we saw last season. “

Alexander Arnold has become an unpopular figure among sections of the Liverpool fanbase following his decision to leave the club on a free transfer to join Real Madrid last summer..

Alan Shearer has hinted that Liverpool miss Trent Alexander-Arnold(Image: Getty Images)

The 27-year-old has struggled for momentum since arriving in Spain, with a thigh injury limiting his involvement at the start of the season.

He began to find rhythm after starting four consecutive matches between late November and early December, only to suffer another muscle setback during a La Liga clash with Athletic Club on December 3.

Subsequent scans confirmed a tear in his left thigh muscle — the same issue that sidelined him earlier in the campaign, ruling him out until Februrary.

Liverpool replaced Alexander-Arnold with Jeremie Frimpong. The 25-year-old’s first half-season at Liverpool was hampered by two hamstring injuries. Since returning last month, however, the Dutchman has hit form, contributing goals and assists on a regular basis.

An attack-minded right-back, he brings pace and natural width to the side, which could be a valuable asset. That said against Burnley, his delivery was inconsistent at times, with too many crosses lacking precision, and he occasionally appeared vulnerable defensively.