Liverpool's recent struggles have drawn sharp criticism from an unexpected source—former goalkeeper Sander Westerveld, a longtime friend of manager Arne Slot. The 51-year-old, who played alongside Slot at Sparta Rotterdam, has been one of the Dutchman's biggest supporters, but even he admits the team has lost its edge.

Speaking after Liverpool's frustrating 1-1 draw with Chelsea, Westerveld didn't hold back. "It's the story of this season," he told BBC Radio Merseyside, pointing to a worrying decline in the "perfect balance" that made Slot's debut campaign so successful.

The former Anfield No.1 highlighted several key issues plaguing the squad. "All the injuries, not fit players and Curtis Jones playing right-back again—so it's never really a fit team," Westerveld explained. "They start well and score a great goal, but we can't get it over the line."

That pattern has become all too familiar in recent months. Liverpool have repeatedly dropped points from winning positions, and the Chelsea stalemate was no exception. Wayne Rooney recently questioned whether the team even has a clear identity anymore, while Jermaine Pennant accused Slot's side of lacking intensity and aggression.

Westerveld's concerns go deeper than just results. He believes the tactical approach has drifted dangerously from last season's title-winning formula. "What Slot did was get that 100% forward play, that aggressive pressing from Jurgen [Klopp]," he recalled. But now, that balance has completely disappeared. "It's lacking energy, and that's bad."

For a team that once seemed unstoppable under Slot's guidance, these are worrying signs. The question now is whether the Dutchman can rediscover that winning formula before the season slips away entirely.