Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher questions the title credentials of Liverpool without a top-class defensive midfielder in their ranks
Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher believes that Liverpool are a defensive midfielder short of being a formidable Premier League title contender. The Reds are currently sitting at the top of the Premier League table but Arsenal are just one point behind.
On-form Aston Villa and Manchester City are also too close for comfort, creating a potential for an interesting title chase. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp revamped the midfield during the summer after a struggling 2022-23 season, even missing the top four.
Klopp oversaw the departure of many long-serving players who regressed after reaching past the peak years of their careers. Klopp has designated his new-look senior team as “Liverpool 2.0” while he still possesses many experienced players from “Liverpool 1.0”.
The combination has helped form cohesion among the players within the new tactical approaches taken by Klopp. The 56-year-old did not replace Fabinho in the first-team as the market lacked a worthy successor.
Nevertheless, Klopp signed Japan captain Wataru Endo from Stuttgart to cover the midfield with experience and defensive prowess. Endo has mostly served as a rotational player, but he has encountered difficulties coping with the pace of the Premier League.
Carragher expressed his opinion in his Telegraph column, stating the requirement of a proper defensive midfielder for Liverpool. He wrote:
“Liverpool are top of the league and I am not really sure how. The league table says one thing but my eyes tell me something else. The balance of the team is still not quite right, and it is hard to imagine it will be without a ready-made defensive midfielder.”
Liverpool’s midfield signings Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister have impressed with their qualities and hard work ethics. However, none of the new midfielders are natural number six, capable of shoring up the spaces as a defensive midfielder.
Carragher pointed out the level the trio need to reach to help Liverpool sustain the top position. Furthermore, the former Liverpool defender emphasized the importance of a proper number six once again. he wrote:
“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?”
Liverpool have deployed Mac Allister in the number six role for many games since the start of the season. Meanwhile, Klopp shifted Trent Alexander-Arnold to the number six role during the latter stages of few games.
The German coach deployed Joe Gomez at the right-back position to unleash the Reds’ vice-captain from the number six role. Trent is the best playmaker at the club and the defensive midfield position has helped him distribute threatening passes.
– Equalizer vs. Man City
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 6, 2023
– Free kick and winner vs. Fulham
– Assist vs. Sheffield United
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s on fire pic.twitter.com/sQJgKVAIZ0
The 24-year-old has shown comfort in dictating the tempo and dominating possession in the deep midfield role. Furthermore, his experience as a fullback helps him understand their requirement while defending spaces and channels.
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Klopp has a big decision to make as Liverpool sits at the top of the Premier League table. The Reds would benefit from a January recruitment whether it is a right back signing to shift Trent to the middle or a proper defensive midfielder.
