Liverpool icon Robbie Fowler has delivered a stark assessment of the club's recent transfer business, suggesting that some new arrivals are failing to meet the required standards at Anfield.
Fowler's Scathing Squad Assessment
The Reds' legendary former striker has drawn parallels between his previous criticism of Darwin Nunez and his current concerns about members of Arne Slot's squad. This comes as the reigning Premier League champions have suffered defeat in five of their last six league fixtures, a dramatic decline that has seen them slump to eighth position in the table.
Liverpool embarked on an ambitious spending spree during the summer transfer window, breaking their transfer record twice to secure the signatures of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak. The acquisitions of Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez were also widely praised at the time, while Hugo Ekitike added further attacking options.
The Nunez Comparison Resurfaces
Fowler had previously claimed that Darwin Nunez was "not a Liverpool player" before the Uruguayan's departure to Al-Hilal, where he left after scoring 40 goals across 143 appearances for the Merseyside club.
"We're saying the same things now that we were saying two or three years ago," Fowler remarked on ITV Sport regarding Nunez. "He's raw, he's this, he's that, and we can't keep saying that. So for me, the more I see him, the more I think he's not a Liverpool player."
The former England international emphasised that hard work should be a "prerequisite" rather than a standout quality, insisting that players must deliver goals and performances worthy of the famous red shirt.
Analysis of New Defensive Additions
While Fowler refrained from explicitly naming which summer signings have disappointed him, he did offer his perspective on how two defensive additions have adapted to life at Liverpool.
"It's been difficult for Jeremie Frimpong because everyone is thinking he's going to come in and replace Trent, when he's not really been played in the same position as Trent for his whole career," Fowler told Adventure Gamers.
Regarding Kerkez, Fowler acknowledged the defender's previous excellence but questioned his immediate readiness: "Kerkez for me was a player who was outstanding in the Premier League last year. Hence the reason why he was picked in the Premier League team of the year. So there's definitely potential with him as well. Is he ready now? I don't know, but I think he will be."
Fowler also believes that Liverpool have failed to properly replace Fabinho in the defensive midfield role since the Brazilian's departure two years ago, identifying this as a persistent issue in the squad.
With Liverpool's title defence in serious jeopardy, Fowler has already stated that Slot's team must be perfect for the remainder of the campaign to have any hope of retaining their Premier League crown.
