Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher says he thinks the Reds will target a pacy forward in the summer with Mohamed Salah, who penned fresh terms this week, no longer as fast as he once was, and Arne Slot lacking a player like Sadio Mane.
Slot’s side is now just six points away from being crowned Premier League champion— and could seal its place at the top of the pile next weekend if Arsenal loses at home to Ipswich Town — but there is still room for improvement. Liverpool gave itself work to do against West Ham United, for instance, by failing to extend its lead in the first half when it was completely dominant.
Luis Diaz edged the Reds in front at Anfield but then an own goal from Andy Robertson in the second half leveled things up. Three minutes later, Virgil van Dijk headed home from an Alexis Mac Allister corner kick.
“It was interesting when Ryan Gravenberch looked up and played the ball into space,” Carragher said on Sky Sports’ coverage of the game. The Dutchman was impressive first half but like the team, lost his way for a spell after the break.
“That is something Liverpool does lack and something the manager will try and fix in the summer: real blistering pace in its attack,” Carragher said. “Salah isn’t as quick as he was. Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo didn’t look like they would win a race over the top.
“I think that is something the manager will look to rectify. In the past, Liverpool have had Salah and Mane and will probably want to get that back.”
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Last summer, Liverpool was in talks over a deal for Anthony Gordon before Newcastle United solved its PSR issues by selling other stars instead. And with doubts over the futures of players like Darwin Nunez, the Reds’ recruitment team might need to consider other attacking options once again when the summer market opens.
Liverpool.com says: Adding another quality attacker to help Salah out will be important in the summer. Diaz showed that he can pop up with goals by netting at the far post against West Ham United but an upgrade in the Colombian’s position should be possible.
It is important to remember that the Reds are going to win the Premier League title, though, and have scored more goals than any other team in the top flight this season. Slot is going to win the title at the first time of asking, so things are not going badly. It’s a great place to kick on from.
