Everton handily defeated Liverpool on a night when their Premier League title hopes came to an end.
After Arsenal defeated Chelsea 5-0 on Tuesday night, the Reds needed to reply with three points at Goodison Park.
Jurgen Klopp’s team’s performance was not entirely negative. They again created numerous opportunities without taking them. But, in reality, they never looked like winning.
Individual blunders were the order of the day, with Gary Neville noticing Klopp’s frustration with two of his players throughout the first half.
And, at the end of the game, Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher suggested that one of the misfiring duo be removed this summer.
Jamie Carragher encourages center-back buying.
A handful of Liverpool players failed to perform admirably at Goodison Park Friday night.
In actuality, you could find flaws in almost every player save probably Luis Diaz. Even still, Lucho admitted to squandering a few excellent opportunities.
But Ibrahima Konate was perhaps the day’s weakest performer. From the start of the game, the French defender appeared to be completely lost.
Carragher really gave Konate a dressing down at halftime, citing his role in Jarrad Branthwaite’s opening goal.
However, following the game, the commentator told Sky Sports that Liverpool should sign a centre-back to replace the 24-year-old this summer.
“Konate’s been so poor of late, really poor,” Carragher fumed. “Liverpool need to buy a centre-back in the summer.”
Who might Liverpool buy?
In some ways, we believe Carragher’s decision is rash. It is true that Konate has performed poorly since returning from injury in March.
However, prior to it, the France international had been having an excellent season. Up until last month, Konate has scarcely missed a beat due to injuries.
Nonetheless, it’s evident that Liverpool will need to sign a centre back this summer. Last year, they needed one, but Jarell Quansah saved their blushes.
Who comes in may be determined by who succeeds Klopp in the dugout. If it’s Arne Slot, as seems likely, a move for Feyenoord’s David Hancko makes sense.
Goncalo Inacio has long been associated, and rumours of interest in Eintracht Frankfurt’s Willian Pacho have recently increased. Any would be suitable for keeping Ibou on his toes.
