Aldridge believes that the team's back four, which has been performing well, is not receiving the necessary protection from the midfielders. He thinks that this is a crucial issue that Slot needs to address.

One of the challenges is that new signing Florian Wirtz is still adjusting to the physicality and pace of the Premier League. While Aldridge is confident that Wirtz will adapt, he notes that the player's attacking style is putting more pressure on the other midfielders to provide defensive cover.

Aldridge identifies only a few midfielders - Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo, and Alexis Mac Allister - as being defensive-minded, which is a concern given the team's playing style.

When facing teams that use a long-ball approach, such as Newcastle United, Aldridge worries that the defense is not receiving the protection it needs.