Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher isn’t one to mince words, and he’s at it again as the former defender has called on the club to secure a transfer for a centre-back in the January transfer window.
So far this season, the Champions have been beset by injuries to defenders. Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are out with long-term issues, and Joel Matip seems set to join them on the treatment table after he limped off in the club’s surprise draw against West Bromwich Albion.
Liverpool Transfer Latest: Reds Must Secure New Centre-Back, Says Jamie Carragher
New Defender Will Help Title Retention
Speaking to Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher emphasized the need for Liverpool to secure a transfer for a centre-back. He said that a new defender should have been on the club’s radar for quite some time, especially as the club will need to depend on Joel Matip, who has been injury-prone since his move to Anfield.
Carragher said: “It’s a massive worry but not a new worry.
“Joel Matip will not play every game between now and the end of the season; you know that even before the injury today (against West Brom), and that’s why it’s paramount that Liverpool signs someone in January.
“I said that as soon as Virgil van Dijk had his injury against Everton.
“Fabinho’s gone there and looked like a top-class centre-back in that position, so maybe people at the club felt the need wasn’t as urgent, but Joel Matip is just too injury prone.
“His body just can’t take the rigours of playing in Premier League football week in week out; we know that since he joined, he’s a really good player.”
Carragher Has Doubts About the Young Centre-Backs
The Sky pundit also has doubts about youngsters Rhys Williams and Nathaniel Phillips being able to perform at a high-level.
He says that while he is able to trust them for the “odd game”, he doubts Liverpool will retain their title if the duo play for an extended period of time.
Carragher said: “The only way they don’t win it is if they have problems at centre back where Rhys Williams or Nat Phillips have to play for a prolonged period of time.
“The odd game coming in now and again they’ve done really well, done fantastic but I know that’s the position I played its not a position for young players as such, and at times they will make mistakes as young players, they’re learning.
“I don’t mean bringing in a centre back for £70m like Van Dijk and not necessarily someone to go straight in the team, just someone there, so Liverpool doesn’t end up maybe with two young lads at some stage in five or six weeks if Fabinho was to go down injured.
“At this moment, Liverpool football has one senior centre-back who’s available this season, and he’s injury-prone, so they have to, have to do something in January.”
But, despite his plea for Liverpool to secure a transfer for a centre-back, Carragher is still optimistic about the club being able to win the league:
“I still believe Liverpool are the best team in this league even without Van Dijk, and most people would say they’re favourites to win the Premier League.”
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