Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol says he is worried about Everton and James Rodriguez ahead of the upcoming Merseyside derby.
The Reds travel to Goodison Park after the international break on October 17 to face Carlo Ancelotti's high-flying Blues - who have won their opening seven games in all competitions this season.
And Nicol explained that he is "questioning" Jurgen Klopp's high defensive back line and labelled the tactic "ridiculous", following the Premier League champions' 7-2 defeat at Villa Park on Sunday.
Asked if he is worried ahead of the derby, Nicol said on ESPN FC : “Absolutely yes.
“Regardless of who the next opposition was going to be, I am questioning the backline.
“The fact that it is Everton and James, and the fact that if Liverpool decide to keep playing this ridiculous high line, if there was one man who can stick the ball behind with accuracy, it is James.
“So, yes absolutely, it is going on in my head.”
Chelsea great and French World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf also explained what teams like Liverpool, who play with a high defensive line, must do.
The former centre-back said: “Now it is maybe about finding composure and understanding between the lines.
“If you play with a high line you have to make sure that the lines before you - the midfielders and forwards - are also working together.
“It’s about making sure you’re not going too high on the field, so an opponent has time to throw a ball in behind you.
“So, it’s not only the defenders and goalkeepers who can cover - the whole team has to work together to make sure the explanation and solution is fine.”
