Michael Owen claims everyone is overlooking one huge reason for Liverpool decline

The ex-Liverpool striker said that amid all the talk of Arne Slot, tactics and transfer, the discussion about the Reds' decline has not focused on one specific problem

Micheal Owen has said Liverpool's changes in the wide areas have been a major problem this season

Michael Owen feels that not enough has been made of Liverpool’s changes in the wide areas of the pitch this season, and believes it partly explains the Reds’ downturn in form.

Liverpool made wholesale alterations to its squad last summer, with several members of Arne Slot’s title-winning team replaced. That is certainly the case at full-back, with Trent Alexander-Arnold choosing to move on and Liverpool also opting to sign Milos Kerkez, who has ousted the long-serving Andy Robertson at left-back.

Luis Diaz also joined Bayern Munich, and while Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo have remained, their form has notably dipped. Speaking exclusively to Liverpool.com, Owen said the downgrades in all four positions have been a major problem for a Liverpool side that is currently sitting sixth in the table.

“If you look at the four corners of the pitch, we've had Trent and Robbo at full-back. They were the best full-backs as a combination in world football for five, six years on the spin,” said Owen, who is now the UK ambassador for the online casino comparison site Casino.org.

“So, no matter what you get, let's hope that you buy well, but no matter what, there's a weaker situation in the full-back area because of that.

“You look at the four corners of the pitch, the two full-backs and two wide players; last season we had Diaz there, who was exceptional. He wanted to go, no problem at all; that's life, that's what it's all about.

Slot has had many changes to consider this season(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

“Gakpo, I like him, he's scored a lot of important goals. And then you've got Salah, who was obviously a guarantee for 30 goals for the last load of years.

“There's no question about it, he's dropped off this season. His numbers are way down.

“So you look at the four corners of the pitch and straight away, we're in a negative position before you even start,” Owen added. “And that's before you start thinking about finding a new position really on the pitch for [Florian] Wirtz.

Owen was speaking exclusively to Liverpool.com(Image: Getty Images)

“Now we paid so much money for him, we're going to have to possibly go through the pain, of letting him find his feet, giving him time.

“So there's five things straight away. There's half your team, before you even start, is weaker. Now that's not to say it will be weaker in the long run. Liverpool have bought young players, so in theory it's going to get better.”

Owen is particularly hopeful that one of Liverpool’s summer recruits could prove to be a shrewd investment.

“You've got Ekitike who I genuinely think could be the best center forward in the world in two, three years, bar maybe [Kylian] Mbappe,” said the ex-striker.

“I think he's that good. I think that he is the real deal. [Alexander] Isak is obviously going to come back as well. You can't turn your nose up at someone of his quality, so things are going to get better, I'm convinced of it.”