Republic of Ireland midfielder Alan Browne believes his side are missing a “world-class” player to help them end their poor run of form.
Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat against Greece in the Uefa Nations League was their fourth competitive home loss in a row.
They have only won three of their last 15 matches – two those of those coming over minnows Gibraltar.
“We probably don’t have that presence, that Premier League quality player that stands out a mile from the rest like you might have had in years gone by,” said Sunderland’s Browne.
“Boys are playing in the Premier League and doing quite well, but we don’t have that world-class figure that everyone looks at and thinks he is going to win us the game.
“I know Evan [Ferguson] has obviously got a bright future, but it is a lot to put on his shoulders, being so young and he hasn’t played a lot of football.”
Browne, who has won 37 caps for his country, disputed the notion the Republic of Ireland do not have leaders in the group, instead pointing to their lack of quality in the final third as a greater factor in their losing streak.
“I think there are quite a lot of leaders in there,” said the 29-year-old.
“There are quite a lot of players who have captained their club or captained their country, so you are probably just missing that presence rather than leadership.”