Carragher Raises Fresh Concerns Over Alisson and Van Dijk After Liverpool Setback
Jamie Carragher has questioned Liverpool’s reliability in key moments after their recent defeat to Manchester City, placing particular focus on Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk. Speaking after the 2–1 loss at Anfield, the former defender suggested that repeated high-profile errors have undermined the club’s push for Champions League qualification.
With Liverpool now facing an uphill battle in the Premier League table, Carragher’s assessment reflects growing concern inside and outside the club.
As the campaign enters a decisive phase, scrutiny is intensifying around leadership, consistency, and whether Liverpool can still recover ground in the race for Europe.
Carragher Questions Liverpool’s Defensive Authority
Carragher’s post-match analysis centred on what he described as “unbelievable” errors from players expected to set standards. In his view, Liverpool’s season has been defined by moments that swing matches against them.
He pointed to Virgil van Dijk’s recent lapse against Bournemouth and Alisson’s costly decision-making against Manchester City as emblematic of wider problems. For Carragher, these incidents are not isolated but form part of a worrying pattern.
The former Liverpool vice-captain argued that elite sides are built on reliability at the back. When centre-backs and goalkeepers lose composure, even briefly, the consequences are severe. In tight matches against top opposition, there is little margin for recovery.
This erosion of defensive authority, he suggested, has prevented Liverpool from establishing consistent control in games.
Alisson and Van Dijk Under Growing Spotlight
Alisson has long been regarded as one of Europe’s finest goalkeepers, while Van Dijk remains a central figure in Liverpool’s defensive structure. However, recent performances have brought renewed scrutiny.
Against Manchester City, Alisson conceded a decisive penalty after colliding with Matheus Nunes, a moment Carragher described as avoidable. Meanwhile, Van Dijk’s earlier mistake against Bournemouth raised further questions about concentration levels.
Individually, both players continue to produce strong performances across the season. Statistically, Alisson remains among the league’s top shot-stoppers, while Van Dijk still ranks highly for aerial duels and defensive actions.
Yet football at the elite level is often judged on key moments. For Liverpool, these lapses have directly contributed to dropped points and stalled momentum.
As pressure builds, maintaining composure will be essential if the pair are to reassert their authority.
Champions League Qualification Now in Doubt
Liverpool’s defeat to City left them sitting sixth in the table, four points behind the final Champions League qualification spot with 13 matches remaining. While the gap is not insurmountable, Carragher believes the current trajectory is concerning.
He has questioned whether Liverpool possess the consistency required to overhaul rivals who are currently in stronger form. Injuries and suspensions have further complicated matters, particularly in defensive areas.
With Dominik Szoboszlai suspended and options limited at right-back, squad depth is being tested. Carragher warned that dropped points in this period could prove decisive.
He also noted that cup competitions may now represent Liverpool’s most realistic route to salvaging their season. However, relying on knockout football carries its own risks.
For now, league performance remains the primary focus, and improvement is urgently required.
Arne Slot Faces Crucial Tactical Decisions
Head coach Arne Slot is entering a defining phase of his tenure. Having delivered a title last season, expectations were high for sustained success. This campaign, however, has been marked by inconsistency and tactical adjustments.
Carragher has questioned whether the current balance of the side allows Liverpool to control matches effectively. He highlighted the tendency for games to become open and transitional, placing additional strain on the defence.
Slot now faces important decisions regarding midfield structure, attacking combinations, and defensive protection. Greater stability may require sacrificing some attacking freedom in favour of control.
Internally, there is still belief in the manager’s long-term project. However, results over the coming weeks will shape perceptions of his first full cycle in charge.
With Champions League qualification on the line, Slot’s ability to address defensive fragility and restore confidence will be central to Liverpool’s prospects.
