Jamie Carragher on the Future of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Liverpool

Carra on Mo Salah’s future

“There is a real discussion for the new manager about what the future holds for Mo Salah – it is the first time we have asked that question. His contract only runs for one year.”

“He has looked like a shadow of his former self for most of this season, but especially since he returned from injury. He is Liverpool’s legend, superstar, one of the greats. But he was so far from it.”

Carra on whether Nunez is good enough to be a title striker

“You want him to do well because he gives it his all, causes trouble and scores the odd goal. But after two years, when Liverpool are fighting for the title or have played big games, your man needs to score at Old Trafford, Goodison Park. That’s the end of the deal.

“After two years there will be no improvement with him. That’s what he is. He can cause trouble but he’s unpredictable in his finishing – that’s not enough to win trophies so a big decision has to be made about him.”

Carra on Nunez’s crucial missed chance just before half-time

“The opportunity Nunez missed is unforgivable at this level. This is not acceptable if you are aiming for a title.”

Nunez’s worst open play misses in the PL this season


Date	Opponent	minute	xG
September 3rd	Aston Villa	49	0.614
Jan 1st	Newcastle	12	0.516
February 10th	Burnley	95	0.516
April 24th	Everton	35	0.506

“Can Nunez, Gakpo and Diaz go from rough diamonds to real diamonds?”

Gary Neville from Sky Sports:

“Darwin Nunez is still a developing striker, but he cost a lot of money. We saw Nicolas Jackson last night and that young man was heavily criticized, but Nunez is missing just as much, if not greater, opportunity – and at a higher price tag.

“Because of the position I played in, I never really go against players for missing opportunities, but if that was a striker in my team I would be angry. That chance in the first half was as easy as passing the ball in. “In the back of the net, it should be for a striker at this level to leave a gap like that, but he doesn’t have the confidence.

“He didn’t work out in his head what a Darwin Nunez degree entails. With the best strikers you know what they’re going to do when they get into a certain position. With Mo Salah you know that he can do it on the left side.” foot and puts it in the far corner. He was below average tonight too.

“Luis Diaz is electric – I would have hated to play against him. But Liverpool’s next years of success will depend on whether Cody Gakpo, Nunez and Diaz can step up and go from diamonds in the rough to real players. That means a big question mark and we will have another coach who will try to make it happen.”

Carra on Liverpool’s need to replace Konate

“Konate has been so bad lately. Liverpool need to buy a centre-back in the summer.”

Carra on Liverpool’s over-reliance on Van Dijk

“Everton did a job on Van Dijk and basically said: ‘If we block him, we will have fun against the other players.’

“It’s easy to say: ‘Calvert-Lewin had a bit of joy, Van Dijk was blocked there and was blocked there’. Van Dijk takes on so much responsibility in almost every set piece. Where are the others? You can’t do that.” If the opponent prevents you from winning headers, it shows how dominant you are. He needs more help and doesn’t just leave it to the captain. Got it tonight.

Carra on the title race…

“This is the end of the title race for Liverpool. It almost feels like the end. They just need to make sure they finish the season strong.”

“They had enough chances in the game, but at the moment they are not determined enough in both penalty areas.”

“I don’t think you can be too angry with the team or Jürgen Klopp. It was a great ride and a great journey. But tonight is Everton’s night and you have to take it lightly.”

Carra on how Liverpool are overperforming but not good enough

“Man City are on a different level to Liverpool and I also think Arsenal give Liverpool an edge. In the last six to eight weeks, when the top three were fighting for the title, it was more of a hope than a belief.”

“In some ways I think this team has overachieved because I don’t think they’re really that good.”

“I don’t mean that as a criticism. They have performed brilliantly, losing four of their last 44 Premier League games. The players they have have performed above average this season and are simply not good enough. When it comes down to it, they just fell a little short.

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