Carragher Calls for Liverpool to Sign Two Forwards After Cup Final Loss | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Carabao Cup Final Defeat Highlights Key Areas for Improvement

Liverpool’s 2-1 loss to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final was a bitter pill to swallow for Reds fans. It was an uncharacteristically flat performance from Arne Slot’s side, with Mohamed Salah enduring one of his quietest games in a Liverpool shirt. Despite a season where he has once again been Liverpool’s talisman, this match exposed some glaring weaknesses in the squad—particularly in attack.

Photo: IMAGO

According to Jamie Carragher, Liverpool must address these issues in the summer transfer window by signing two top-level attackers to support Salah. With the Reds still leading the Premier League title race, the need for reinforcements is clear if they want to remain competitive on multiple fronts next season.

Attacking Issues Exposed in Cup Final Defeat

Liverpool’s attack has long been a fearsome force, with Salah leading the charge. However, in the Carabao Cup final, the Egyptian failed to register a single shot or create a chance—a first for him in a Liverpool match where he played the full 90 minutes.

The absence of a reliable attacking partner was evident. Gone are the days of Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, players who could change a game in an instant. While Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez, and Cody Gakpo have all had moments of brilliance, they lack the consistency and world-class quality of the previous front three.

Carragher summed it up best when he said:

“The other attackers Liverpool have got are good players, they’re not great players… This is not like it was under Jurgen Klopp, where Mane could bail Liverpool out of trouble or Firmino.”

The lack of attacking depth and variety in the squad means that when Salah is nullified, Liverpool struggle to find alternative solutions.

Pace and Directness Missing in Attack

Another issue highlighted in recent defeats is Liverpool’s lack of pace in the forward line. Carragher noted that Salah was up against one of the world’s best left-backs in Nuno Mendes during the PSG ties, yet without explosive support around him, he was easily isolated.

Liverpool’s attack in its prime was built on pace, movement, and pressing. Mane’s departure left a void that hasn’t been truly filled. Díaz has the energy and work rate, but he isn’t as clinical in front of goal. Núñez offers direct running, but his finishing remains inconsistent. Gakpo is technically gifted, but he lacks raw speed to stretch defences.

Against Newcastle, this lack of explosiveness in transition allowed their defence to remain compact and organised. Without players who can beat defenders one-on-one or stretch the pitch, Liverpool become predictable in attack.

Two Attacking Signings Needed in the Summer

With Salah’s future still uncertain, Liverpool must act decisively in the transfer market. Even if the Egyptian stays beyond the summer, new attacking signings are a must to reduce the over-reliance on him.

Carragher was adamant that Liverpool should target two high-quality forwards, saying:

“Liverpool need to go and buy two attackers, not as squad players, possibly to play alongside Mo Salah, hopefully, for next season.”

These signings must bring:

Liverpool’s next transfer window will be crucial in maintaining their position at the top of English football.

Title Hopes Still Alive but Improvements Needed

Despite the disappointment of the Carabao Cup final, Liverpool remain in pole position to win the Premier League. Slot’s side has been incredibly consistent in the league, losing just one match all season.

However, the recent run of results has exposed flaws that must be addressed. The defensive structure remains solid, the midfield has been rejuvenated with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Wataru Endo, but the attack needs fresh ideas and reinforcements.

Carragher summarised it perfectly:

“I’ve been excited because it looks like Liverpool are going to win the league, but there’s still lots to improve.”

If Liverpool can strengthen their attack in the summer, they won’t just be title contenders next season—they’ll be favourites.