Liverpool were beaten by Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday and Gary Lineker has highlighted the issues that are now facing Arne Slot
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Updated 15:19, 17 Mar 2025
Lineker
Gary Lineker says that Liverpool need to recruit a number nine
(Image: therestisfootball/Youtube)
Gary Lineker believes Liverpool need to sign a number nine in the summer.
The Reds were left to rue a rotten display at Wembley on Sunday afternoon after Newcastle United comfortably beat Arne Slot's side 2-1 in the Carabao Cup final. Liverpool struggled to ignite in all areas of the pitch, especially in the forward positions.
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Slot's team managed just two touches in Newcastle's box in the first half and just two shots on target in the entire 90 minutes as they were easily out-muscled by Eddie Howe's team. While substitute Federico Chiesa supplied a late consolation, Slot's issues in advanced areas were apparent throughout.
With Liverpool drawing a blank midweek in their Champions League round of 16 exit to Paris Saint-Germain, the former Leicester striker is of the opinion that they need a player in the mould of a classic centre-forward, something they currently don't have in their armoury.
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah hunches over on the pitch at Wembley Stadium
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah endured a disappointing day against Newcastle United.
While the Reds are stacked in attacking positions, the 64-year-old, taking to his podcast, the Rest is Football alongside Micah Richards, discussed Liverpool's recent struggles and their need for something different up top.
βIt was very much Newcastle's day today. It really was," Lineker began, before throwing a question at Richards. "Where do you think Liverpool, I mean, they've had such a good season up until the last couple of weeks, but where do you think they need to strengthen? I would say, I think they need a nine."
While Mohamed Salah has often dominated headlines this season with a stunning return of 32 goals so far as the Reds aim for Premier League glory, the same cannot be said for Liverpool's other forwards. Cody Gakpo has a healthy return of 16 in all competitions, but Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez are all lagging behind on 13, eight and seven respectively.
The Reds have been linked with a mega money swoop for Newcastle's Alexander Isak and the Magpies striker showed why he will attract a ton of interest come the summer with his performance on Sunday. A constant threat all afternoon, Isak rounded off his day with a coolly taken finish in the second half, perhaps showing Liverpool what they need once the season concludes.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team's second goal as Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool looks dejected during the Carabao Cup Final between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Alexander Isak scored against Liverpool on Sunday
Richards concurred with Lineker, maintaining that the Reds need a greater threat in front of goal and pinpointed where else in the squad the club's hierarchy must address. "I think they need a nine. I think they need a left back," he said.
"I think Robertson has been a fantastic servant for Liverpool. I know they've been linked with Kerkez at Bournemouth. He's got real energy. He's really good. I like him a lot.
"I like Connor Bradley at right back. I do believe they do need another centre-half just for cover. I think, you know, if Konate is getting his injuries, or depends what happens with Van Dijk, I think they can freshen up everywhere.
"Slot's got an opportunity to get exactly what he wants into this system and this team. I'm looking forward to seeing what they do business wise. But yeah, I think they need to freshen up in all positions.β