Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has called for his forward line to provide more support for the players behind them amid criticism of his team's midfield.
Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch were both singled out for their lacklustre performances in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Fulham, with the pair combining to win just three of their 14 duels at Anfield.
However, Iraola has suggested it is not just the job of his midfield players to ensure the team is competing effectively.
"We need to recover the ball as high as possible because it makes the offensive side that much easier," the Liverpool boss said. "We have situations to attack in one v one.
"It's more than the midfield. When we have been good collectively the midfielders have looked a lot better and recovered more balls. We are helping them more to win the duels. The ones up front do their job very well then the midfielders look good.
"If we are allowing them to defend one v one all the time and we are not aggressive, then also our defenders will struggle.
"If the players ahead of you are doing the job then midfielders look better. It is more collective. That's the help we have to give to our defenders and midfielders so everyone looks better, looks smarter and in better positions."
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Liverpool will look to bounce back from the weekend's disappointment when they host Tottenham Hotspur in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.
It will be the Reds' third game in seven days, with Iraola confirming he is set to use his full squad against Roberto De Zerbi's side.
"I'm very happy with the squad," he said.
"I value a lot the players we have. If we win games the squad looks fantastic, if we don't win then there are problems or whatever. We will see tomorrow players we haven't seen and I am looking forward to seeing them. They can help us and they haven't had the chance yet."
