Daniel Sturridge says Liverpool has to address a glaring issue with Arne Slot's roster, with the ex-striker convinced that it could make a big difference next season
14:04, 04 May 2026
Former Liverpool player and soccer pundit Daniel Sturridge.
Former Liverpool player and soccer pundit Daniel Sturridge.(Image: Francesco Scaccianoce - UEFA via Getty Images)
Daniel Sturridge says Liverpool has to sign a defensive midfielder this summer if Arne Slot's side are to improve next year — with Jamie Carragher in agreement.
The Reds were wide open in the first half of their game with Manchester United this weekend, but that was in part due to the system and in part because of a lack of legs in the center of the field.
Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch were unable to cover the ground on their own, but things changed after the interval when Dominik Szoboszlai dropped back to help out and Cody Gakpo was more of a focal point down the middle.
READ MORE: Arne Slot error proves costly as Liverpool and Man Utd reality clear - 5 talking pointsREAD MORE: Jamie Carragher reveals long-term Liverpool 'worry' as he calls for summer transfer action
Nonetheless, with Roy Keane critical of Liverpool for being a soft touch, the Reds have been urged to bring in some more steel at the base of their midfield department, to let the other stars shine in front of them.
"The defensive midfield area is something that Liverpool have been missing for years," Sturridge said on Sky Sports. "Ryan Gravenberch, prior to last season, wasn’t looked at as the solution.
"He’s come in last year, the manager’s got the absolute best out of him and they’ve won the Premier League, but they’re still facing the same issues they faced two seasons prior.
Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge.
Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge.(Image: Daniela Porcelli/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images)
"I think the type of player Liverpool need is a protector in there whose first thought is to maybe stop attacks happening. Right now they don’t do that very well."
Carragher offered a similar assessment, suggesting that someone like Crystal Palace and England ace Adam Wharton would be too focused on what they can do in possession rather than putting a foot in.
"Am I worried about where Liverpool are going? Yeah, I am," Carragher said.
"I said off-air, a big thing will be what they do in midfield. If a really technical footballer came in there, that might worry me a little bit. I think Liverpool need a bit more physicality.
Get LFC's 2025/26 season home and away kits
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
From $100
LFC.com
See the deal
Liverpool's home and away strips for the 2025/26 season are the first in their new partnership with adidas.
Fans can order jerseys in the US at Fanatics.com or via the LFC Online Store in both the US and across the world.
"Let's think in the Premier League. Adam Wharton. Lovely footballer, wand of a left foot. I'd really worry about him running back to my own goal on a counter-attack.
"I think it will be really interesting who Liverpool buy in the summer and what the profile of player will be. Going for just good players hasn't worked. It's blown up in their face."
Liverpool.com says: Signing someone more destructive would change the dynamic and it just doesn't feel that likely. Who out there is good enough to come in and do that job?
Article continues below
Moises Caicedo was once a target, but there isn't anyone to plug in and play like him. In any case, Liverpool won the Premier League title with Gravenberch only a year ago.