Liverpool’s 2-1 loss to Newcastle United in the EFL Cup final has highlighted a significant weakness that manager Arne Slot must address in the transfer window.
The Reds’ struggles against physically imposing opponents were evident at Wembley, and transfer expert David Lynch believes that Liverpool need to add players with a high physical profile to their squad.
Physicality a Major Concern
Lynch pointed out that Liverpool have been outmuscled by teams like Atalanta and PSG in the past, and that Newcastle’s physicality was a key factor in their EFL Cup final victory.
“If there is one weakness, it is that if teams go man-to-man against them and are a bigger team physically, then Liverpool can struggle to cope from time to time,” Lynch said.
READ ALSO: Virgil van Dijk’s Future: Ronald Koeman Hints at Defender’s Potential Destination
Newcastle’s Gameplan Pays Off
Newcastle’s aggressive pressing and physicality were key to their victory, with the Magpies winning 68% of their aerial duels and 54% of their ground duels.
Liverpool, on the other hand, struggled to cope with Newcastle’s intensity, with midfielder Bruno Guimaraes winning nine duels against the Reds.
Midfield a Concern?
While Liverpool’s midfield has been dominant in the Premier League this season, they were outmuscled by Newcastle at Wembley.
Lynch, however, believes that the issue is not just with the midfield, but with the team’s overall physicality.
“It’s a general lack of physicality throughout the whole team, not just the midfield,” Lynch said.
Transfer Window Priorities
With the transfer window approaching, Liverpool are likely to prioritize signing players with a high physical profile to address their weakness.
The Reds attempted to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi in the summer, and it would not be surprising if they bring in another option to rotate with their current group.
