Carragher doubts Liverpool PL credentials as they lack a top central midfielder

Jamie Carragher has cast doubts over Liverpool's ability to mount a considerable title threat in the Premier League this season, pinpointing two key holes in the side.

The former Liverpool stalwart spoke ahead of kick-off against Brighton on Sunday about their hopes to fight for the English crown, but suggested their lack of a top tier central midfielder and a defender will hamper them.

It has been a promising start to the campaign for Jurgen Klopp's side, who suffered a first defeat in the league last weekend at Tottenham.

The game was contentious for a well-documented VAR blunder, which saw Luis Diaz's perfectly legitimate goal in the first half ruled out for offside, after a miscommunication between officials.

However the Reds have shown an improvement from the inconsistencies of last term, winning won five, drawn one and lost one of their seven games before Sunday's clash at the Amex Stadium.

Yet Carragher remains unconvinced of their prospects this season, admitting it will be 'tough' for them to beat the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal to the top.

'Whether they can win the biggest trophy in terms of the Premier League, I think that will be tough,' he began.

'It might be something they go for next season when they can add a couple more additions as I think they really lack a top, top central midfield player who can sit in front of the back four and maybe a defender.

'But I think those gaps will be plugged in the next two transfer windows and then they'll be better equipped for next season.

'I think the start to this season bodes well, and we'll see if they can mount a real challenge.'

Liverpool did invest heavily in central midfielders this summer, splashing a total of  £146million on four players: Alexis Mac Allister