Liverpool may have celebrated a piece of history at St James’ Park on Monday night, but not everything is going smoothly for Arne Slot’s side.
While 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer with his 100th-minute winner against Newcastle, club legend Jamie Carragher has pointed out that two senior players are really struggling to find form.
Carragher Calls Out Salah and Konaté
Speaking on Monday Night Football, Carragher didn’t hold back.
He admitted that Mohamed Salah and Ibrahima Konaté, both key figures in Liverpool’s campaign last season, have endured what he described as “really poor starts” this time around.
In particular, Carragher was critical of Konaté’s defending during Newcastle’s equaliser, when a long ball was allowed to bounce over him before William Osula finished.
“He has been all over the place,” Carragher said.
“I want my centre-back to go and win that. He was more interested in grabbing his arm. He was not at the races at all.”
Defensive Concerns at the Back
Konaté’s struggles have been evident since the opening weekend.
Against Bournemouth, the Frenchman was guilty of sloppy passing and was beaten in a footrace for the first goal.
For the second, he failed to properly engage with Antoine Semenyo, leaving Liverpool exposed.
Carragher warned that if it weren’t for Virgil van Dijk’s commanding performances, the Reds could have been in much bigger trouble already.
“I shudder to think where Liverpool would be without him,” he admitted.
Slot Faces Selection Headaches
Last season, Konaté was seen as one of the cornerstones of Liverpool’s title-winning campaign.
But with new competition arriving, his place may no longer be guaranteed.
Summer signing Giovanni Leoni, who joined from Parma for £26 million, is waiting for his chance, while Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi remains a potential addition to strengthen the back line further.
Arne Slot, however, isn’t rushing into any big decisions just yet.
He will want to keep confidence high within the squad while balancing the need for consistency at the back.
Ngumoha’s Moment of Magic
Amid the defensive worries, Ngumoha’s dramatic goal provided a spark of joy for Liverpool fans.
Just shy of his 17th birthday, the teenager’s cool finish in stoppage time not only secured the win but also made him a record-breaker.
His name is now etched into Anfield history, giving supporters a glimpse of what could be the beginning of a bright future.
What’s Next for Liverpool?
Liverpool now prepare for a huge clash against Arsenal at Anfield on Saturday.
Slot will be hoping his senior stars can rediscover their sharpness, while fans will be eager to see if Ngumoha gets another chance to shine on the big stage.
