05 November 2023 , 22:46
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Jamie Carragher insists Liverpool must sign a new holding midfielder and full-back if they are to establish themselves as Premier League title contenders this season.
Speaking during Jurgen Klopp’s side’s disappointing 1-1 draw at Luton, the former Reds defender outlined how the side was easier to counter-attack against than Manchester City – who have won five of the last six Premier League titles.
It was a result that ensures Liverpool remain third in the standings and three points behind Pep Guardiola ’s side, who defeated Bournemouth 6-1 on Saturday. The Reds have won just two of their opening six away matches in the division this term.
Carragher believes that Liverpool remain without a specialist holding midfielder in order to compete for the title. “Liverpool in midfield are a lot improved than we saw last season but they still haven't got a top holding midfield player,” he told Sky Sports on Sunday.
Carragher added: “MacAllister's not a holding midfield player. He's good on the ball in terms of receiving but defensively he finds it really tough and lacks a bit of pace for that position, so I still think they can improve there.”
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There was also concern expressed over Liverpool’s defensive cover in the full-back areas with Andy Robertson currently unavailable through injury. Joe Gomez and Kostas Tsimikas have been used in the role since, but Carragher believes adding a right-back is more important.
“I think in the back four Liverpool could do with not so much a player for a specific position but almost just a great defender who can play a couple of positions,” he added. “They went with Gomez today at left-back instead of Tsimikas, they thought he'd be stronger defensively.
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Trent Alexander-Arnold is Liverpool's long-term established right-back (Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)“I still think Liverpool could do with another player in that position, probably on the other side at right-back and maybe release Trent at different times maybe into midfield, against certain opposition you play someone there who's maybe stronger and tougher defensively.”
Summing up his thoughts on Liverpool’s current status, Carragher believes that Klopp’s side have strengthened on the squad that sank to an underwhelming fifth-placed finish last term, but will fall short of mounting a serious title challenge.
“I think Liverpool are not ready to win the league,” the former defender claimed. “I think Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool supporters know that right now. They want to get back in the top four but in terms of challenging again I think they need another midfield player and a top class defender."