Liverpool Legend Highlights Biggest Problem Manager Arne Slot Must Fix to Get Reds Firing Again

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has identified what he terms ‘mind boggling’ problem that manager Arne Slot faces which he must address to stabilise the team.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has warned that manager Arne Slot faces a "mind-boggling" selection headache in attack, a problem he must solve to bring consistency to the team's season.

The Reds secured a much-needed victory against Aston Villa on Saturday, their first Premier League win in five matches, which provided a timely confidence boost. The result saw them climb to third in the table after a period of inconsistent form.

However, the good news was tempered by Slot's announcement that star striker Alexander Isak remains sidelined with a groin injury and will miss Tuesday's Champions League clash against Real Madrid. The £125 million forward has been absent for Liverpool's last three games.

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Speaking on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, Carragher argued that even when Isak returns to fitness, another high-profile summer signing, Hugo Ekitike, has earned his place in the starting lineup.

Carragher on Why Hugo Ekitike Must Play

Stressing that the Frenchman "has to play now," Carragher acknowledged that possessing two top-tier forwards could create an ongoing challenge for Slot.

"I could totally understand it's not easy, and this was always my reservation about buying two strikers for that much money who both play in the same position," Carragher stated as quoted by the Dailymail. "It's very difficult to see a Liverpool team get two strikers on the pitch."

"My mind boggles going forward how this is going to work," he continued. "But right now, Ekitike's got the shirt, he's playing really well, and it will probably do Isak a little bit of good if he's out of the team to build his fitness up in training more."

Ekitike has impressed since his arrival, scoring six goals in 14 appearances across all competitions. The 23-year-old's momentum was briefly halted by a suspension for removing his shirt after scoring in the Carabao Cup, a period that coincided with a dip in the team's form.

Slot Struggling to Fit in Big-Money Signings

The two strikers have started together only once, in a Champions League match against Eintracht Frankfurt, before Isak was forced off with an injury.

Carragher also questioned whether Liverpool's recent struggles were linked to Slot's attempt to integrate too many new players at once following a summer spending spree of over £446 million.

The club broke the British transfer record twice, signing Florian Wirtz for £116 million and Isak for £125 million, in addition to big-money deals for Ekitike (£79m), Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez.

The former defender pointed to Jurgen Klopp's more gradual approach with players like Fabinho and Andy Robertson as a potential model for Slot to follow.

Liverpool Welcome Trent Alexander-Arnold

As Liverpool seek to find their rhythm, they are set to face a familiar face on Tuesday: former academy graduate Trent Alexander-Arnold. The right-back joined Real Madrid last season for a nominal £10 million fee after running down his contract, a move that drew a hostile reaction from some fans during his final appearances for the club.

Ahead of Alexander-Arnold's return to Anfield, Slot was quick to offer his support for the player.

"I can only tell you what kind of reception he will get from me," Slot said when asked about the potential for a negative fan reaction.

"I have great memories of the player and the human being. He was my vice-captain last season... He will get a warm welcome from me, that's for sure."