Alisson identifies one recurring issue that has impacted Liverpool's season

The Reds have dealt with plenty of problems this season, but Alisson was asked about one major issue ahead of Liverpool's midweek Premier League trip to Sunderland

Alisson admitted the changes in Liverpool's defense have impacted the team

Alisson has admitted that Liverpool’s repeated changes in defense have impacted the team this season.

The Reds have been relatively settled at center-back and left-back, but it’s at right-back where Arne Slot has been forced into repeated changes. Seven players have operated at right-back this season due to the injuries suffered by Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong.

Dominik Szoboszlai has often been drafted into defense this season, as was the case at home to Manchester City on Sunday. But his dismissal in the latter stages meant he was not available to face Sunderland on Wednesday, and with Joe Gomez also injured, Slot had to turn to Wataru Endo at right-back.

The Japan captain is starting just his second-ever Premier League match under Slot and is also joined in the back four by Andy Robertson.

Speaking before the game, Alisson admitted the changes have impacted Liverpool.

“It affects you,” the goalkeeper told TNT Sports. “Of course you want to play as many games as you can play, with the same team.

Wataru Endo started at right-back for Liverpool against Sunderland

“But it shows that we have needs this season. It is a big challenge but everyone is up to that challenge and everybody coming in is doing everything they can.

“Players are playing different positions. Dom, is playing on the right side; Wata playing on the right side as well as a full-back.

“Sometimes Ryan [Gravenberch] plays center-back. That is the challenge of this season and we are good enough to cope with that.”

Alisson made his 250th Premier League appearance against Sunderland(Image: Getty Images)

Asked about bouncing back from the defeat to City, Alisson, who was at fault for the winning goal, replied: “We have to take it really quick because today is another big fight.

“Sunderland is doing amazing, mainly at home. They gave us a lot of jobs at Anfield and today we know we are going to have to work hard if we want to get all three points.”

The Brazilian, making his 250th Premier League appearance, has not kept a clean sheet in his last four league outings.

A win over Sunderland would see Liverpool cut the gap to Manchester United and Chelsea in the race for the top five after both teams drew on Tuesday.