Liverpool are lacking a player like Bernardo Silva, says Jamie Carragher

Posted Tuesday, October 09, 2018 by squawka.com

Liverpool are lacking a player of the same qualities as Manchester City's Bernardo Silva, according to former club defender Jamie Carragher.

Both sides met at Anfield on Sunday, with the score ending 0-0 after Riyad Mahrez missed a penalty in the closing stages of the match.

The Reds looked slightly jaded throughout, with their busy schedule perhaps playing a part in their underwhelming display.

Former Liverpool defender Carragher believes another reason his old club looked off the pace is because they don't possess a player of the same capabilities as City's talented playmaker Bernardo Silva.

Speaking on Sky Sports after the match, Carragher said: "If Liverpool are in a really good position in January, I think they've got to be looking to address that (midfield area).

"It's not even necessarily having someone who comes in and plays every single game. They just haven't even got anyone like that in the squad. Adam Lallana is too injury prone.

"Even if Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain comes back, [Naby] Keita goes in or Fabinho goes in they are all the same. Liverpool don't play with a No 10, but there's no David Silva or Bernardo Silva or a player like that in the squad.

"I'm not talking about that player playing every week. It's just the fact of having someone like that in the squad to turn to when you feel you need that player."

Do Liverpool need some Silva?

Liverpool are lacking a player like Bernardo Silva, says Jamie Carragher

The Reds have started the season in spectacular fashion, winning all six of their opening Premier League games before picking up valuable points against both Chelsea and City.

Liverpool's famous trio of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah have all established themselves as Jurgen Klopp's preferred players in attack. However, so far this season, their individual form has been more inconsistent than it was last term.

In contrast, Bernardo Silva has convinced Pep Guardiola to utilise him on a regular basis for the Citizens, with his performances receiving praise from many who have been lucky enough to see him play so far this season.

The question is; do Liverpool possess player's who can play the same role as Silva?

Liverpool are lacking a player like Bernardo Silva, says Jamie Carragher

Two names that come to mind are summer signing Xherdan Shaqiri and Adam Lallana, both players have proven across the years that they can influence play from across the pitch, be the focal point of creativity and pop up with the odd goal or two as well.

Unfortunately, for all of Lallana's talents, he has been a victim of a series of injuries that have seen his footballing hours limited across the last 18 months or so.

Shaqiri is fit and raring to go but has yet to experience a prolonged run in the side since his summer switch from relegated Stoke City.

If Liverpool are 'lacking a Bernardo Silva', they aren't doing too bad without one.