Robbie Savage believes Liverpool's biggest problem has been caused by the absence of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho in midfield.
The Reds collapsed in a remarkable seven-minute turnaround at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, with Leicester City coming from 1-0 down to win 3-1.
James Maddison equalised for the hosts after Mohamed Salah had brilliantly opened the scoring before Jamie Vardy capitalised on another error from Alisson before Harvey Barnes sealed the win in a breathtaking seven-minute spell.
Liverpool were once again exposed defensively, with Ozan Kabak making his Premier League debut alongside Henderson at centre-back.
James Milner was forced off injured in the first half and his replacement, Thiago Alcantara, was guilty of committing needless fouls and turning over possession, which drew criticism from Jamie Carragher on social media.
Despite all their injuries at the back, Savage believes that it's a lack of protection in midfield that is hurting Liverpool most, with Henderson forced to play in defence and Fabinho injured.
"You talk about Van Dijk and Gomez missing for Liverpool, Leicester have had three of their back four missing from the side, Justin, Fofana, Castagne," Savage told BT Sport.
"Look at the Liverpool back four. The biggest problem for me with Liverpool is the protection in front. They have taken Henderson and Fabinho out of that key area of the pitch, there is no protection.
"They're poor defensively, the full-backs can't defend one vs one defensively. They are too high up the pitch. As a centre-back, they're so exposed, 16 different partners, what chance have they got?"
