Jamie Carragher warns Liverpool's midfield issues will hinder title challenge

In England, Liverpool Football Club is facing significant challenges as they prepare for the new season under the management of Andoni Iraola. Following a disappointing 2025-26 campaign where they finished fifth, the club parted ways with former manager Arne Slot. This summer, Liverpool has made some additions to their squad, including winger Victor Munoz and defender Ronald Araujo from Barcelona, along with Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes. However, the midfield remains a concern as the club has not strengthened this area, leaving them with the same options as last season.

Jamie Carragher, a Liverpool legend, has voiced his worries regarding the midfield setup. He noted that during pre-season matches against Leeds and Monaco, the same issues from the previous season persisted, particularly the excessive space in midfield. Carragher emphasized that the deployment of Dominik Szoboszlai could exacerbate these problems, as he believes the team lacks a solid 'number six' to provide balance and depth. Despite the individual quality of players like Alexis Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch, Carragher is skeptical about their ability to function effectively as a cohesive midfield trio.

The Reds experienced a significant drop in performance after winning the Premier League title in the 2024-25 season, and they have also lost key players such as Mohamed Salah and Ibrahima Konate. As they conclude their pre-season preparations with mixed results, Carragher remains unconvinced that the current midfield setup can compete for the title. He believes that while the players are talented, their collective play may not be sufficient to reclaim their status as title contenders.

With the new season approaching, Liverpool's management and coaching staff must address these midfield concerns to improve their chances of success. The club's ability to adapt and strengthen their midfield options will be crucial in determining their performance in the upcoming season, as they aim to bounce back from last year's disappointing finish.