Liverpool did not sign a single player in the January transfer window, and the cost of that decision was evident against Sunderland.
A deal for Jeremy Jacquet was agreed, but the centre-back is not moving to Anfield until after 2025/26.
Jamie Carragher wanted Liverpool to sign another defender who would actually be able to play this season.
Who was Liverpool’s best player in the excellent win over Sunderland, and why?
What a win!
Sunderland v Liverpool - Premier League
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
His concerns have been justified amid Arne Slot losing all three of his senior right-back options.
Dominik Szoboszlai was then suspended and missed the meeting with Sunderland, seeing Wataru Endo selected in the back-four.
Wataru Endo and right-back issue was evident against Sunderland
Endo played right-back earlier this season, but he is a natural defensive midfielder, which was evident 40 minutes into Wednesday’s tie.
Liverpool began to dominate as the first half wore on, with Florian Wirtz in particular causing issues.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
One of their best chances came in the 40th minute when Endo got the ball on the right of the Sunderland box and had an easy low cross to play to Ekitike or another advancing Liverpool player.
However, as was to be expected given his natural position, the Japan international’s ball was poor and went straight at the Black Cats’ goalkeeper.
Had an actual right-back been in Endo’s position, it could well have ended in Liverpool taking the lead.
But because FSG did not push hard enough for a deal in the winter transfer window, Slot has been left with very few options.
Not only was Endo’s attacking not ideal, but he was then stretchered off in the second half, further depleting the right-back position.
What was Liverpool’s BIGGEST MISTAKE of the window? 👀
The January window is shut ❌
Liverpool signing Jeremy Jacquet
Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images
Why doesn’t Arne Slot play Calvin Ramsay
The only natural right-back available to Slot on February 11 was youngster Calvin Ramsay.
However, the Liverpool manager confirmed before the game that Ramsay would not start against Sunderland.
He may not be the best option, but he is more suited to getting forward and causing problems in the final third than Endo.
The best solution would, however, have just been for Liverpool to sign a right-back in January.
Instead, FSG have gambled on the Reds still having enough to qualify for the 2026/27 Champions League despite their clear lack of depth in the backline.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox