Liverpool need to upgrade a midfield unit of “workaholics” this summer, says Jamie Carragher, with creativity lacking in the wake of Philippe Coutinho’s departure.
The Reds have had enough firepower at their disposal to secure a top four finish in the Premier League and reach the Champions League final, but tangible success has eluded them once more.
Carragher feels their deficiencies were highlighted in a 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid on Europe’s grandest stage, with Luka Modric and Toni Kroos allowed to pull the strings for the Blancos.
Liverpool, in contrast, were relying on energy in the engine room, with James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum lacking a much-needed match-winning spark.
Former Reds defender Carragher told the Telegraph’s Total Football Podcast on what Jurgen Klopp needs to do in the summer transfer window - with Goal revealing that the German is looking to make £60 million ($80m) playmaker Nabil Fekir one of three high-profile additions: “Going forward I certainly think the midfield needs looking at.
“That will change, with [Naby] Keita coming in and talk of Lyon’s captain [Nabil Fekir] also coming in who plays that No. 10 role.
“I think we lacked something in midfield [against Real Madrid] I’d say.
“We got to the Champions League final with that midfield three of Wijnaldum, Milner, Henderson, they’ve been absolutely superb - but they’re workaholics.
“The class of Real Madrid in the centre of midfield with Kroos and Modric told really.
“We didn’t have a player who could match them on the ball. I think it’s important that we bring in a couple of bodies in that position.
“I’m sure that’s what the manager will look to do.”
Liverpool already have a deal in place for Guinea international Keita, with a £57 million ($76m) switch from RB Leipzig set to be pushed through on July 1.