Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool lacks enough strength and depth in its defense to mount a Premier League title challenge this season.
Carragher, who played 508 times for the Reds, highlighted Jurgen Klopp's need to play Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva at center-back in the 4-3 defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday.
Liverpool led the Premier League tie at the Vitality Stadium 2-0 at half-time, but a second-half comeback from Eddie Howe's team saw the Merseysiders lose ground on premier league leaders Chelsea.
"Panic seems to set in," Carragher said of Liverpool's reaction to Bournemouth's comeback on Sunday. "Liverpool seem to go through this a lot.
"The goalkeeper there has got to do an awful lot more, but it comes from players not making the right decision.
"People keep talking about Liverpool's defensive problems. The back four, maybe Lucas as your third choice left back, it is probably not enough if you want to go and win the title."
Related: How Pep Guardiola's Manchester City Can Rebuild Premier League Title Challenge
Bournemouth's winner, scored by on-loan defender Nathan Ake, came after Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius dropped the ball to the feet of the Dutchman.
"We were critical of Karius after the game," Carragher added. "If you've got a poor defense your keeper is getting worked.
"But he's not making many saves. That tells me Liverpool haven't got a poor defense. The goalkeeper is not having anything to do."
Liverpool now trails Chelsea by four points after 14 games. Klopp's side hosts West Ham United at Anfield on Sunday.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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