Jamie Carragher says Liverpool need to add a creative attacking midfielder to their team in the January transfer window. The Reds legend believes Arne Slot is missing an “X Factor” in his squad.
Premier League leaders Liverpool have the chance to go seven points clear of Arsenal when they are entertained by Mikel Arteta’s side at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Slot has so far won 11 of his 12 games in charge since succeeding Jurgen Klopp in all competitions.
Carragher, though, thinks reinforcements will be needed to sustain the push and he pinpointed the key area where the Dutchman will need to invest heavily in as he compared the Reds’ current squad to their rivals in his weekly Telegraph column
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info
“When comparing the full-strength Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City starting XIs, the title rivals have more quality in a particular area,” Carragher writes.
“Liverpool are short of a Martin Odegaard, Phil Foden or Kevin De Bruyne-style attacking midfielder – that X Factor in the middle of the park who elevates a side to the next level.
“Dominik Szoboszlai has performed well off the ball and he brings energy to the team – doing the ‘dirty work’ as he puts it – but for all the possession he gets in good areas, he needs to be more productive in terms of his assists and goals. We are yet to see if that is part of his game.
“When comparing the full-strength Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City starting XIs, the title rivals have more quality in a particular area,” Carragher writes.
“Liverpool are short of a Martin Odegaard, Phil Foden or Kevin De Bruyne-style attacking midfielder – that X Factor in the middle of the park who elevates a side to the next level.
“Dominik Szoboszlai has performed well off the ball and he brings energy to the team – doing the ‘dirty work’ as he puts it – but for all the possession he gets in good areas, he needs to be more productive in terms of his assists and goals. We are yet to see if that is part of his game.
“For the £60million he cost, he too often leaves me wanting more. It does not need to all be ‘dirty’ work when you have the time and space on the edge of the penalty area to find a team-mate or unleash a shot. That No.10 position is one of the most coveted and is more often than not reserved for the superstar, game-changing player.
“Liverpool also need another defender. I have been saying for a few years that the club needs a multi-purpose defender on the left – someone who can cover for Andrew Robertson or play centre-half without weakening the back line.
“Manchester City have those utility defenders in Nathan Ake and Josko Gvardiol. Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori comes into the same category. Until there are such additions, Liverpool still look like a couple of injuries from being unable to keep pace
Carragher added: “Liverpool and Arsenal are awaiting that ‘now you’re gonna believe us’ moment when they convince sceptics they can reel them in. It may come as early as Sunday if either side wins and plays well.
“My suspicion, for Liverpool at least, is that a few more cheques will need owner John W Henry’s signature before that chant is heard at Anfield again.”
