James Pearce identifies Liverpool failure that could ruin their season, Jurgen Klopp will be worried

Liverpool journalist James Pearce has identified one area of the Reds' game this season that has influenced their mixed form in the Premier League - and how it could continue to affect them.

Jurgen Klopp's side have struggled to hit the heights of recent seasons in the top flight this term, and currently sit in sixth position after 17 games played.

And whilst their performances at Anfield have largely been good - they have the third-best home record in the division - they have picked up just two wins on the road in their eight games.

Midfield has been seen as a major problem, whilst issues from set pieces were laid bare in their 3-1 defeat to Brentford at the beginning of January.

The Reds have been heavily linked with a number of midfielders to bolster their squad, including Wolves star Matheus Nunes, who showed in the 2-2 FA Cup draw between the two sides at Anfield last week exactly what he could bring to Klopp's side.

In an article for The Athletic, meanwhile, Pearce analysed a key area that Liverpool must improve on.

Key Liverpool problem analysed

Pearce has noted that a lack of physicality - more specifically, in aerial duels - has been a big issue for the Reds this term, and went on to show various visual examples of how this has affected them.

He reveals that Liverpool won just 43 per cent of their aerial duels against Wolves, and have also been conceding more direct attacks this season than in previous campaigns, which indicates defensive problems.

A lack of physicality has been levelled at Klopp's side on numerous occasions this term, and is another reason why fans are desperate for the signing of midfielder Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund to be concluded.

The 19-year-old is a physical midfielder who can contribute in all areas of the pitch, whilst his athleticism means he can quickly recover to cut out fast counter attacks.

Liverpool also reportedly launched a bid for defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni last summer, but he opted to join Real Madrid instead.

Reds legend Jamie Carragher opened up on the club's midfield problems after the 3-1 defeat to Brentford, and identified exactly what Liverpool need.

"Liverpool don't have a problem going forward, they need a player to stop the opposition coming right through them," he told Sky Sports.

"Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho are great technical players, but they don't look like Jurgen Klopp players. Fabinho is getting older. Jordan Henderson has not got the energy of old, James Milner."