Jamie Carragher names two positions Liverpool need to strengthen to challenge for Premier League

Jamie Carragher has claimed Liverpool still need make additions to their squad in order to make a tilt for the Premier League title once again.

Following a disappointing 2022/23 season which saw the Reds miss out on Champions League qualification for the first time since 2016, Jurgen Klopp oversaw a makeover to his midfield which included the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch, as well as exits for Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Liverpool have started the new campaign strongly, winning five from eight, while their only defeat of 2023/24 to date came in highly contentious circumstances at Tottenham.

READ MORE: 5 talking points from Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Brighton

The Reds sit in third, just three points off leaders Tottenham, going into the international break. However, speaking after the 2-2 draw with Brighton, Carragher suggested that next season might be when his old side can become realistic title contenders again, claiming that recruitment work is still required in key areas.

"Whether they can go on and win the biggest trophy which is the Premier League - I think that will be tough," the former defender turned pundit told Sky Sports.

"I think that could be something Liverpool could go for next season with a couple more additions.

"I think Liverpool lack a top central midfield player and maybe another defender. Those gaps will be plugged whether that is in January or in the summer. I think they will be better equipped next season to go for the Premier League."

Despite the arrival of four new midfielders this summer, there has been much debate about Liverpool's 'number six' options – or lack thereof.

After selling more defensive-minded midfield options Henderson and Fabinho, the Reds made failed attempts to sign Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, with both ultimately joining rivals Chelsea.

Liverpool did land 30-year-old Endo for around £16m in what was considered by many as a left-field move, though the Japan captain has been used sparingly so far, with Mac Allister often preferred as the deepest-lying midfielder with mixed results.

There has been talk that the club will still look for a long-term solution to the position, while Anfield Watch understands that Fluminense's Andre Trindade is still hopeful of a move to Anfield after a summer transfer was denied.

Anfield Watch also understands that strengthening the defence will be a priority in 2024, with the likes of Piero Hincapie (Bayer Leverkusen) and Yukinari Suguwara (AZ) among those being looked at.

Addressing Liverpool's start more generally, Carragher added: "It's been a promising start this season. And it looks like certainly in the first few weeks that this team he is building can hopefully go on to achieve what his previous teams have done."