Carragher’s Warning: The Key Player Liverpool Lacks | OneFootball

Why Jamie Carragher Is Right About Liverpool’s Need for January Reinforcements

Liverpool’s recent form has been electrifying, with strong performances across the pitch. Their underlying statistics support the impressive football they’ve been playing, with Liverpool currently topping both the charts for expected goals (xG) created and expected goals conceded. According to the latest data, Liverpool has generated 18.03 xG, leading the Premier League ahead of Tottenham (17.69) and Chelsea (17.24). Defensively, they’ve conceded the fewest xG at just 8.40, ahead of Fulham (8.96) and Nottingham Forest (9.26). Despite these figures, there’s merit in Jamie Carragher’s recent analysis in The Telegraph about Liverpool’s need for reinforcements in the January transfer window.

Carragher’s Insight: Reinforcement, But Not The Type You Might Think

Carragher rightfully points out that while Liverpool has started the season on solid ground, they need “ready-made class” if they aim to compete with the best teams across Europe and in the Premier League. His call for reinforcements highlights the necessity of quality rather than depth. Carragher emphasises that Liverpool should aim for a player who can walk straight into the starting eleven, someone with a game-changing presence, saying: “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.”

However, while Carragher’s focus is on finding this elusive No 10 to elevate Liverpool’s creativity, it might not be the profile of player Liverpool needs most urgently.

Photo: IMAGO

Creative Midfield Options: Plenty to Choose From

Liverpool already has a wealth of creative midfield talent. Players like Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Harvey Elliott (when fit) are more than capable of operating in that advanced midfield role. Szoboszlai, in particular, has been a revelation this season, adding both flair and grit to the midfield. While his ability to contribute goals and assists needs further development, his work rate and positional intelligence have made a significant difference. Moreover, with Mac Allister and others also capable of playing in advanced roles, the need for a De Bruyne-type midfielder seems less pressing than Carragher suggests. What Liverpool might lack, instead, is cover for those deeper positions, particularly as the trio of Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, and Gravenberch are playing virtually every game.

Depth Needed in Deeper Midfield Roles

While creativity is vital, the bigger concern for Liverpool is maintaining the fitness and form of their main midfield trio. With Curtis Jones emerging as a reliable option and serious competition when fit, what Liverpool truly needs is reinforcement in the deeper positions – cover for Gravenberch or Mac Allister. These players have been shouldering the load, and an injury to either could seriously derail the team’s balance. The demanding nature of modern football requires a squad with depth, and having a player who can seamlessly rotate into those deeper midfield roles is crucial. A player like Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi, who was reportedly close to joining in the summer, would offer the perfect blend of technical skill and defensive prowess. As Carragher highlights, Liverpool had identified him as a priority, and revisiting that interest could provide the missing link in this otherwise robust squad.

Photo: IMAGO

The X Factor Exists in Other Areas

It’s also important to note that Liverpool already has the “X Factor” Carragher mentions, but it’s spread across multiple positions. The team has enough firepower in attack, with Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz, and Diogo Jota offering plenty of creativity and goal-scoring ability. That’s before we see how Chiesa does when fit. In midfield, the blend of youth and experience, combined with the form of Gravenberch and the growing influence of Jones, provides a solid foundation. The pressing need lies in ensuring this midfield can stay fit and continue performing at the highest level. Liverpool’s next steps should be in securing a versatile defensive midfielder who can provide cover for both Gravenberch and Mac Allister. This will enable Slot’s side to maintain their high-intensity playing style throughout the season, without risking burnout or injury to key players.

Conclusion: Reinforcements Are Needed, But Not Where Expected

Carragher’s assessment of Liverpool’s squad needs is spot on, but it’s the deeper roles that require the most urgent attention. With Liverpool leading both xG created and xG conceded, they’re in a strong position, but the January window offers a crucial opportunity to add depth where it’s needed most – in defensive midfield. By targeting a player like Zubimendi, Liverpool can ensure they have the strength in depth to compete on all fronts, maintaining the form and fitness of their midfield core as they push for silverware.