Liverpool’s improving defensive record has left an outspoken former critic having to try and swallow a huge slice of humble pie.

Back in October when the Reds suffered a 4-1 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley – arguably the nadir of their season – Bournemouth’s Asmir Begovic decided to put the boot into Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ The Debate Show he declared: “They are not doing the basics of defending and I don’t think they have the pride it takes to be a defender. It’s a combination of things – communication, positioning and the desire to defend is lacking for Liverpool.

“They don’t look organised, they don’t look like they want to defend. I don’t think their first thought is defending.”

Now while former pros can make a lucrative business out of punditry on the studio sofas to boost their retirement bank balances, making such remarks when you’re still playing – and indeed a Premier League rival – was always a dangerous game for the Bosnia and Herzegovina international (people in glass houses and throwing stones).

Cherries boss Eddie Howe was unimpressed at the time and ahead of Liverpool’s trip to the Vitality Stadium in December he revealed that he had given his goalkeeper a rap on the knuckles over his outburst, admitting: “I don’t agree with what he said but everyone has an opinion and the right to say what they wish.

“Me and Asmir did speak about it. From a player’s perspective, I don’t think you ever want to see anyone say anything negative towards any other team in the Premier League, because we’re all competing and we’re all trying to do the same thing.

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(Image: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

“It’s very important we all show respect for each other, so it’s not something I’d ever encourage my players to do.

“But Asmir was put in a situation on a programme where he was asked his opinion and every person has a right to give their opinion. I have to respect that at the same time.

“My initial opinion is that we have to get our own house in order first before we ever comment on other people.”

Having joined Bournemouth from Chelsea last summer, perhaps Begovic had been buoyed by the previous season’s results against the Reds – coming back from 3-1 down to win 4-3 at home and then earning a point at Anfield in a 2-2 draw – but since he came into the side himself, things have not gone as well.

Liverpool have now kept back-to-back clean sheets against the Dorset side with their 3-0 victory at the weekend their ninth shut out of the calendar year.

The result also ensured that Begovic is now joint top (or should that be bottom?) of the goals conceded column for Premier League keepers in the current campaign with efforts from Reds front three Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino ensuring he’s been beaten 56 times, a figure only matched by Stoke City’s Jack Butland.