Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has named the one player he believes the Reds should have signed in order to take them to the next level - and it's not a player they have been linked with
Daniel Marsh Senior Sports Reporter
15:21, 28 Jan 2026
Jamie Carragher has offered his opinion
Jamie Carragher has offered his opinion(Image: Sky Sports)
Jamie Carragher believes the most vital task for Liverpool next summer is securing the right type of central midfielder - but the Reds have already let slip the ideal candidate in Declan Rice.
Liverpool has suffered a considerable decline this season following the team's Premier League triumph during Arne Slot's inaugural campaign in charge. The Reds currently sit 14 points adrift of first-placed Arsenal in sixth position, making it extremely unlikely they can defend their domestic title.
A string of disappointing results, coupled with underwhelming displays, has sparked debate over Slot's future, while also placing scrutiny on the club's summer recruitment after investing around $600 million on new arrivals.
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Carragher believes the most pressing requirement for Liverpool in the upcoming summer window is acquiring a midfielder to complement the team's existing options.
He considers Rice, who has elevated his performances since his switch to Arsenal two-and-a-half years ago, as the template to emulate.
"Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister are really good players, but it ends up with two or three players who do not have great physicality in there," Carragher told The Athletic.
Arsenal signed Declan Rice two-and-a-half years ago
Arsenal signed Declan Rice two-and-a-half years ago(Image: Getty Images)
"The one who stands out every time I watch him play is Declan Rice. What a player, honest to god. That's exactly what Liverpool need. For me, he is the modern-day Roy Keane.
"I don't think he's a Stevie Gerrard, because Stevie was more attacking. Roy did a bit of everything; press high, get the ball off the back four, everything. Declan has the set pieces, too.
"I actually don't think we still give him enough praise. It always feels like there's a but with him.
"His passing is fantastic. No one can run past him. His set-piece delivery is as good as anything in European football."
Carragher also expressed frustration over Liverpool's decision not to pursue Rice during the summer of 2023, when the Reds were widely expected to refresh their midfield following the exits of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.
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"Why Liverpool didn't go for him," he added. "My argument at the time was you buy one player [Rice] to replace two, because he could do both the Fabinho role and also the Henderson one, pressing high, as he shows for Arsenal.
"Oh god, I'd have loved to have got him in a Liverpool shirt.
"For me, he's Player of the Year this year, especially if Arsenal win the league. Then he will get the real love he deserves, and hopefully he will go and have a great World Cup, too."