Jamie Carragher has written in his Telegraph column Liverpool have a “problem” in that his players are no longer able to give him what they used to – and it is “symptomatic” when Roberto Firmino and James Milner are starting.
Liverpool have made a struggling start to the season, winning just three of their eight league and cup outings. One of those was a 3-1 win in the Community Shield against Manchester City – instantly increasing the pressure on the Reds.
They smashed Bournemouth 9-0. A 2-1 win over Newcastle late on came, too. But the Reds failed to beat Fulham, Crystal Palace and Everton – drawing all three. Losses include a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United, and 4-1 to Napoli.
The Reds seem some way off the side that beat Manchester City to the 2019-20 title. The Liverpool heroes of that season are now older. Carragher identified this as a problem, stating they cannot produce what they used to do.
He thinks that while it is not their fault, Firmino or Milner still starting matches are a prime example of why Liverpool need to inject some energy into their side. Younger players, that can continue the Jurgen Klopp era.
Failing to reinforce midfield during the summer is the root of the problem. The club felt Aurelien Tchouameni (who opted for Real Madrid) and Jude Bellingham fit the bill. Unfortunately, it looks like a mistake now.
“Because of the number of midfield injuries. When I see James Milner and Roberto Firmino starting big games for Liverpool in the Premier League or Europe, it is symptomatic of the problem,” Carragher said.
Carragher: Firmino and Milner ‘symptomatic’ of Liverpool problem
Carragher is bang on. He is not blaming Firmino and Milner. But at a combined age of 66, the duo will only have expected to be squad players themselves. Both out of contract at the end of the season and are likely to go.
The duo are simply not good enough to start in matches against Manchester United and Napoli, anymore. They need to be the players you turn to against Bournemouth, no disrespect to the Cherries. To give the first-choice players a rest.
But as Carragher says, an inability to fix that issue in the summer has meant Milner and Firmino are starting. It is going to bring the overall quality of Liverpool’s side down somewhat. The Reds will do well to finish in the top four this term.
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