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Liverpool news: Former star reveals real reason for Reds’ success after Burnley win
LIVERPOOL’s defence is so successful because of their competition for places.
Liverpool: Van Dijk says it’s not a 'two-horse-race' for top of table
That is the verdict of Danny Murphy.
The Reds have conceded just six goals in 15 Premier League games this season - the best record in the division.
That puts them on current course to concede just 15 goals and draw level with Chelsea, who hold the record for the fewest goals conceded across an entire campaign with 15 in 2004-05.
Virgil van Dijk and Alisson have both been hailed for their influences since joining in January and the summer - with defending having previously been Liverpool's biggest flaw.
The latter has proved particularly crucial in their last two games, making key saves to secure hard-fought wins over Everton and Burnley.
But while their individuals have been praised, former Liverpool star Murphy - who made 246 appearances for the Anfield outfit across five years - believes a major reason for their solidity owes to their ample options.
That’s after Jurgen Klopp dropped Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson and Dejan Lovren - albeit because of a head injury - in a 3-1 triumph over the Clarets last night.
Murphy told Match of the Day on Liverpool’s back-four: “What they’ve got is competition for places which helps.
What they’ve got is competition for places which helps
“He rested Robertson and Alexander-Arnold tonight but Van Dijk and Alisson have made such a difference.
“They don’t have to play that well to win matches anymore. That is a big plus.
“All the best teams have got down the spine wonderful players and those two for me are incredible footballers who have made a difference.”
Joe Gomez started at right-back over Alexander-Arnold but had to be stretchered off in the first half through injury.
Klopp explained post-match: “It was his ankle.
“Joe is injured and probably not only a little bit. We have to see, we don’t know in the moment. We sent him home.”
Liverpool’s win at Burnley - thanks to goals from James Milner, Roberto Firmino and Xherdan Shaqiri - means they remain unbeaten in the Premier League this season.
They take on Bournemouth in their next match on Saturday (12.30pm) with the Cherries sat in seventh and having impressed through their front three of Callum Wilson, Josh King and Ryan Fraser - who have a combined 17 goals in the league.
That’s the same amount that Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Firmino have managed so far this year having hit 91 across all competitions last term.