Liverpool opened their Premier League account for the new season with a late win over Bournemouth that showcased their formidable attack but also exposed defensive weaknesses.
Hugo Ekitike scored and assisted to continue his fine start to life at Liverpool, with Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah also on the scoresheet.
However, Bournemouth threatened a comeback with two second half goals that took advantage of Liverpool’s new-look defence – following their shaky defending against Crystal Palace in last week’s Community Shield.
Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool celebrates his team's second goal scored by teammate Cody Gakpo during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
And former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool are still short of depth in their squad as they look to attack both the Premier League and Champions League this season.
Jamie Carragher says Liverpool ‘haven’t looked themselves’ this summer
Speaking ahead of the season opener against Bournemouth, Jamie Carragher expressed doubts over Liverpool’s chances this season with their current squad.
Liverpool managed to sign Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk up to new contracts this summer, however Carragher feels more future planning can be done before the transfer window closes.
He told Sky Sports: “Liverpool haven’t looked themselves in pre-season. It sounds strange to say, but I still think Liverpool need more players.
“If you look at the players who have gone out – and think about the holes Liverpool had last season – they’ve lost three and only brought one in.”
Jamie Carragher names three priority positions for Liverpool to focus on this summer
Arne Slot welcomed new defender Giovanni Leoni to Anfield on Friday and the 18-year-old will offer another option in defence. But he is young and cannot be expected to replace Van Dijk or Ibrahima Konate immediately.
Arne Slot looks on during a game between Liverpool and Bournemouth
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Alexander Isak has been strongly linked, although Liverpool have currently walked away from talks after seeing their first offer firmly rejected by Newcastle. They have also been linked with Marc Guehi, but TBR Football understand Crystal Palace are currently standing firm on the England man.
Carragher said: “They still need to bring in at least one more forward, maybe one more defender, and another player to form a formidable squad that can attack both the Premier League and the Champions League.
“This isn’t about the ownership suddenly throwing all kinds of money at Liverpool. It’s the right thing to do. I think Liverpool will now go maybe two or three windows without spending big again.
“But this is about getting the squad ready for when Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk might move on in a couple of years’ time.”
Liverpool’s summer spending has been high, yet if the club share Carragher’s concerns there could be some more signings coming in.