Jamie Carragher slams one Liverpool player who is 'too emotional' and 'has to win a fight'

Posted Monday, June 22, 2020 by Express.co.uk

Jamie Carragher slams one Liverpool player who is 'too emotional' and 'has to win a fight'
Liverpool news: Jamie Carragher was not impressed by Dejan Lovren against Everton (Image: GETTY)

Liverpool were held to a goalless draw against Merseyside rivals Everton.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher singled out Dejan Lovren for criticism during Sunday's 0-0 Merseyside derby against Everton. Lovren only came on as a 73rd minute substitute but was given the run around by the Toffees. Richarlison especially troubled the Croatia international and the hosts had their best chances once he replaced Joel Matip.

Carragher was commentating on the match for Sky Sports alongside Manchester United great Gary Neville.

On Lovren, Neville said: "You talk about Lovren, he always tries to think he has to win the ball."

And that sparked Carragher to have his say on the centre-back, claiming he always wants to "win a fight" against an opponent.

"He's too emotional, that's always been his problem," Carragher said of Lovren.

"He always feels he has to win a fight, has to win a challenge.

"I used to play that position as a centre-back and at times you have to accept someone may be stronger and quicker.

"You have to get yourself in positions and try and hold them up.

"I said before they were too often they were putting the ball right down Virgil van Dijk's throat but as soon as Lovren's come on they've been hitting that channel and that is the channel to hit.

"Everton could get some real joy from it."

January signing Takumi Minamino was handed his full Premier League debut for Liverpool.

However, the Japan international struggled to have an impact on the game and was replaced at half time by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Minamino played instead of Mohamed Salah, who was on the bench but did not feature.

Carragher says Minamino is not the type of player to fill in for Salah in the front three but reckons Timo Werner, who is set to join Chelsea, could have been that person.

“You mentioned the [Timo] Werner situation, Martin [Tyler],” Carragher said.

“It’s interesting without someone who provides that pace and penetration like Salah.

“He’s gone with Minamino who’s a different type of player.

“So in that front three you’ve got two who prefer to come towards the ball rather than run in-behind.

“It’s interesting he went with Minamino and not [Divock] Origi.

“I think [finances] was something to do with [Liverpool pulling out of the Werner deal] maybe also the situation that we’re in and maybe competitions getting moved, the Olympics and the Africa Cup of Nations which have been moved until [the end of] next season.

“So Liverpool still have the front players with them.”