Jamie Carragher says Mohamed Salah’s absence in the Merseyside derby highlights why Liverpool ‘need to strengthen the front three’ this summer.
League leaders Liverpool laboured to a goalless draw at the home of city rivals Everton on Sunday evening, the club’s first fixture back following the Premier League‘s suspension ending in a less than entertaining stalemate at Goodison Park.
Leading scorer Salah was a doubt ahead of the clash and was named only amongst the substitutes, though was left on the bench throughout despite the Reds evidently missing his direct style and goal threat.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have been linked with bolstering their attacking options and were strongly tipped to secure a deal for RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner, though withdrew from talks amid financial concerns with the Germany international subsequently signing for Premier League rivals Chelsea.
Carragher believes their lack of attacking threat against Everton highlights the club’s need to add strength in depth, insisting the club ‘could have a real problem’ if they are without any of their first-choice front three for a lengthy period of time.
“The front three are as good as anyone in Europe but whenever one of them is out, there is a massive drop off,” Carragher told Sky Sports.
“When Liverpool dropped points at Manchester United, Salah wasn’t playing. That’s why Liverpool need to strengthen the front three. Divock Origi is a legend for Liverpool as he’s scored big goals at big moments but doesn’t have quite the quality.
“Is Takumi Minamino part of the front three? Not for me. The front three are very robust and don’t miss many games but if Liverpool were to lose one of them, especially the two wide players, for a lengthy amount of time they could have a real problem next season.”
Klopp reckons Liverpool were ‘not smart enough’ after being held to Merseyside derby draw
