Liverpool are paying the price for not signing a centre back but problems pale in comparison to rivals Everton

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The problems engulfing Liverpool and Everton stem from their recruitment in the summer. Jurgen Klopp failed to land a centre back while Everton's business has left them in a complete mess.

It makes me laugh when I hear people say Liverpool's frailty at the back is caused by their full backs pushing too high.

Kyle Walker and Fabian Delph were at times the most advanced players for Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Did City get opened up as a result? No — they secured a sensational victory.

Jurgen Klopp shows his frustration during Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Newcastle on Sunday

Joel Matip is dejected after failing to prevent Joselu from scoring Newcastle's equaliser

If Liverpool's full backs were told to sit deeper, the team would lose some of their attacking edge. The real issue is that Liverpool's centre backs are not good enough. Klopp will back his players to the hilt but there is a reason he tried to splash out £60million to land Virgil van Dijk.

It is no surprise Klopp keeps tinkering with his back four and goalkeeper. He is searching for something that is not there.

The defenders would be helped if there was somebody like Fernandinho in midfield to smell danger and put out fires. Look at the last two title-winning teams — Leicester had N'Golo Kante and Chelsea had Kante and Nemanja Matic. Where is that player at Anfield?

Liverpool have conceded 12 goals in the Premier League. Only West Ham and Crystal Palace have let in more.

Liverpool are relying on 30-yard screamers from Philippe Coutinho to get them out of trouble

When you are that leaky at the back, you need to be prolific in attack. Where is their Romelu Lukaku or Harry Kane to guarantee 20 goals? Liverpool are relying on 30-yard screamers from Philippe Coutinho to dig them out of trouble.

It is far too early to count Liverpool out of the race for the top four — and their problems pale in comparison to those at Goodison Park.

Everton's muddled recruitment has left them with no balance. They have no width, everyone wants to play centrally and they have nobody up front.

I cannot understand why, with £45m available, they bought another No 10 in Gylfi Sigurdsson rather than a centre forward.

Whoever is responsible for Everton's recruitment has betrayed the traditions of the club by failing to buy a striker.

Ronald Koeman's side have been left with no balance or width after their summer business

Everton fans love a big, bustling centre forward in the mould of Joe Royle, Graeme Sharp and Duncan Ferguson.

Failing to replace Lukaku's goals is one thing but they are also lacking a creative spark. I do not see players in this Everton team with pace who are prepared to take on defenders and go past people.

They desperately miss Ross Barkley. He creates so many chances and when he is fit again I would have him in this team ahead of Sigurdsson.

After all the promise the summer brought, it is such a shame Everton find themselves in this situation.

Their fans deserve better.

Like Klopp, Ronald Koeman has chopped and changed a number of times. You can change your system all you like but only the right personnel will deliver success.

Everton opted to splash out £45million on Gylfi Sigurdsson rather than sign a new striker