Jamie Carragher has identified a key problem affecting Liverpool during their Community Shield defeat, highlighting one of Arne Slot’s recent signings in the process.
The Premier League champions lost to FA Cup holders Crystal Palace on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regular time at Wembley.
New arrivals Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong scored in the first half, while Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr replied for Palace.
Palace clinched the win 3-2 on penalties, with Liverpool players Mo Salah, Alexis Mac Allister, and Harvey Elliott all missing their attempts. Substitute Justin Devenny converted the winning spot-kick.
Liverpool showed threatening attacking play, especially in the first half with record signing Florian Wirtz centrally involved. However, their defense appeared fragile once Palace bypassed their pressing. Virgil van Dijk conceded a penalty, and the Reds’ offside trap failed when Sarr broke through to score.
Carragher, the former defender, voiced his concerns about Liverpool’s defense, noting Milos Kerkez struggled to adapt to Slot’s tactical setup.
“Liverpool look dangerous going forward but remain vulnerable at the back, which has been clear all preseason,” Carragher posted on X. “Many goals conceded come from aggressive man-marking that leaves space behind. Today, Kerkez got pulled inside, with Sarr freeing Gakpo to chase the wing-back.”
With Jarell Quansah sold to Bayer Leverkusen and Joe Gomez battling injuries, Liverpool are reportedly still interested in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who was substituted late in the game.
Slot was seen greeting Guehi in the tunnel before the match, which drew a humorous reaction from Van Dijk.
However, the Liverpool captain believes the club should focus on signing a striker, especially after the departures of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez. Speaking to talkSPORT, Van Dijk said: “With Darwin and Lucho gone, we definitely need a new striker this summer.”
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