Sami Hyypia claims Liverpool lack balance and defensive communication under Jurgen Klopp: 'There are not enough leaders in the team'

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Liverpool lack balance between attack and defence under Jurgen Klopp, claims former club captain Sami Hyypia.

The Reds have conceded 16 goals in only 10 Premier League games this season, and came in for heavy criticism after a 4-1 defeat by Tottenham last month.

Though Klopp has fashioned an entertaining and attacking style of play at Anfield, problems in the defence have persisted during his two years at the club.

Sami Hyypia was critical of Liverpool's defence before their clash with Maribor

And speaking on BT Sport ESPN before their Champions League clash with Maribor, Hyypia said the protection afforded to the back four was a glaring issue. 

'I had more protection and there might be some issues with the balance in the game. 

'Everyone likes it when Liverpool is playing that game and everyone is going forward, but you need to have a balance in the game. In some situations the balance is not there.

'But that's not the only issue for the centre-backs. Maybe I would have had more difficulties if I had to play on the halfway line nowadays.

Jurgen Klopp's side have conceded 16 goals in only 10 Premier League games

Hyypia played in the heart of the Liverpool defence under Gerard Houllier and Rafa Benitez

How Jurgen Klopp wants the team to play the back four is actually defending near the halfway line and not nearer to their own goal. So the space at the back of the defence is much bigger.'

He went on to say that Liverpool lack leaders and fail to communicate with each other enough.

'There is a lack of communication. They are not doing it together. There are situations where the centre-backs and defenders don't know who is going and who is staying.

'There are not enough leaders in the team. Somebody needs to take charge on the field and talk. Communication is everyone's responsibility.'

Michael Owen added that Liverpool's midfield fail to protect their centre-backs

Former team-mate Michael Owen added that Liverpool's midfield fail to do their job in assisting the centre-backs. 

'The way they play is difficult to defend. It's far easier when you've got a sitting midfielder or two in front of you, and full-backs that don't go forward.

'The type of midfield players they have there's no real out and out sitting midfield player. Jordan Henderson is the main person doing that but he's running everywhere.

'That type of player that just accepts he will sit and be disciplined, I don't think Liverpool have got that type of player.'