Liverpool's midfield needs a major overhaul, says club hero Mark Lawrenson.
Lawrenson was reacting to Liverpool's 5-2 home defeat to Champions League opponents Real Madrid.
He wrote for the Daily Mail: "If I had a magic wand, which part of Liverpool's team would I wave it at? I guess it would be the midfield. There are problems in other areas, but I would start there.
"I played there a little bit for Liverpool and was lucky to have Graeme Souness next to me, a true great. But I would go out there determined to win my individual battle first. Thou shall not pass. Stop the opposition playing and start playing ourselves.
"I don't see that enough in this Liverpool team. I do not see that mentality. The midfield has aged a little, I know. It needs some energy and legs. But it also needs that mentality shift at times.
"Liverpool are a team who lead 2-0 and think they should win by more. That's admirable in a way, but when you are two up against the champions of Europe in 20 minutes then you should look to close down the space, circle the wagons and get to half-time with a lead intact. The coach or the manager can then do his work.
"Liverpool don't seem to be able to do that. As a result they have lost the ability to control games. I don't remember the last time they controlled a game, really. Even against Newcastle, with a man extra, I can't say they were in command. They weren't."