Jamie Carragher, the former Liverpool defender, suggests that one signing should be made in January rather than waiting until the next summer.
He emphasises in his Telegraph column that Liverpool should not delay in acquiring a defensive midfielder as they push for the title.
In his analysis, Carragher expresses doubt about Liverpool’s chances of winning the title this season due to the absence of a genuine defensive midfielder.
Pointing out the departures of key players like Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, who played vital roles in that position under Jurgen Klopp, Carragher notes the lack of a direct replacement for these influential figures.
Alexis Mac Allister emerged as the primary option this season, demonstrating reliability. However, his skill set seems more fitting for an advanced role on the field.
Meanwhile, Wataru Endo, predominantly a substitute in league matches, secured a consistent starting position in both the Europa League and Carabao Cup.
In a Telegraph column, Carragher candidly expressed his belief that Liverpool need an additional signing, specifically a genuine defensive midfielder. He questioned the rationale behind delaying the acquisition instead of promptly addressing the team’s needs for the ongoing season.
“There have been signs of promise from the recent signings like Dominik Szoboszlai, and those who joined the club over the last 18 months like Cody Gakpo and Darwin Núñez, but they have not shown they can produce week after week in the same way as Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino at their peak.
“The much talked about new midfield is not fully functioning yet, the trio of Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch impressing in moments rather than in back-to-back fixtures.
“For Liverpool to maintain their position at the top, that has to change and the additions must raise their level from promising and occasionally good to consistently outstanding. A decision may be looming in January regarding a top No 6. If there is one out there, why not push for it now rather than wait?”
Options for this position on the market are quite limited. Liverpool faced setbacks with Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo in the summer, losing out to Chelsea. However, at 28 years old, Fulham’s Joao Palhinha emerges as the most prominent choice for any top side seeking a midfielder protector.
Leading the tackle charts by a significant margin in his debut season, the Portuguese midfielder has sustained his impressive form into the current season. Despite being on the verge of a move to Bayern Munich in the summer, the deal collapsed on deadline day, resulting in his return to Fulham.
While Joao Palhinha’s age contradicts Liverpool’s typical transfer policy, the club swiftly invested in Endo, who is already 30. Notably, Palhinha has proven to be a vastly superior player, making him a compelling option despite his age.
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