Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard was direct in his assessment of the Reds' 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest.

Steven Gerrard criticized Liverpool for being "too soft" and pointed out that the team needs tougher players. The 46-year-old former England midfielder believes the Reds need to become more difficult to beat and show a more aggressive side.

Liverpool twice fell behind and twice equalized on Saturday, eventually drawing 2-2 with Nottingham Forest. Callum Hudson-Odoi and Chris Wood scored for Forest. Manager Arne Slot remains unbeaten at Anfield, but his first win is still pending.

The ease with which Forest scored echoed Liverpool's defensive issues from the previous week's match against Newcastle United, where Anthony Elanga and Joe Willock also penetrated the Reds' defense too easily. Gerrard stated on TNT Sports that after seeing Liverpool breached so easily by Forest in the first half, the team needs to show more aggression.

He said: "I think this Liverpool team is a bit too soft. They lack that destructive, physical player. They don't win enough tackles and challenges. It's a very 'nice' team, and that's where Liverpool needs to improve.

"They have to be tougher and more aggressive. If they'd played with more intensity and been tougher last week, they would have won. There are different ways to win matches. Liverpool has technically gifted players and top talent in many positions, but they just lack a bit of ruthlessness and edge.

"The manager has to instill that into the team, because when the real prizes are on offer, Liverpool won't be there without it. They lack ruthlessness and physical impact.

"It's not just about one player—it's about the whole team. Every time opponents come to Anfield, in the first 45 minutes they just pass through them easily. They play too gently, and their approach is too gentle. You need a fierce team to energize the fans."

AF's PC site is now live! Browse full news, comments, match details and stats on your computer. Visit: www.allfootballapp.com