Jamie Carragher makes worrying Liverpool claim with Alexander Isak transfer now 'likely'
Jamie Carragher has insisted that Liverpool will not 'run away' with the title race even if they sign Alexander Isak. But the Reds legend reckons Florian Wirtz already looks a 'special player' who can replace Kevin De Bruyne as the biggest star in the Premier League.
Arne Slot won the title by 10 points in his first season and the Anfield club have since spent £295m on strengthening the squad. Liverpool have also bid £110m for Sweden striker Isak - and could yet return for the Newcastle star before the end of the window.
Sky Sports analyst Carragher said: 'I think they are still likely to get Isak but I don't get this narrative that Liverpool are going to run away with it.
'I think we will have a title race. If you look at history, it tells you that it's not just about having the best players, it's about having the best team, and making that balance right, and at the weekend (the Community Shield) it didn't quite look right.
'I think the great thing about football is what we actually saw on Sunday with Liverpool. It didn't look right. They probably should have lost the game in normal time when I watched it. It tells me it's not just about spending lots of money and buying the best players, you've still got to manage that team and make it work and have a nice balance to it.'
'Even in pre-season, he just looks class,' said the former England defender. 'He just looks like a special footballer. There were glimpses in the Community Shield as well - he's linked up with Salah already, and he's a good attacking player.
"He's a Liverpool player, but I think it feels like one of those players, when someone comes to the Premier League, it feels like a star has come to the Premier League, and I think it's going to be a great addition. You think of losing Kevin De Bruyne, for me, one of the greatest players we've ever had in the league, and hopefully this guy can take his mantle.'
Gary Neville added: 'I will be intrigued by the players that the top clubs have signed, (Victor) Gyokeres, (Benjamin) Sesko, (Rory) Delap at Chelsea. I think those players that are in big positions, which of those are going to step up and become real?
"None of them at the moment, you'd say, are world -class and deemed to be the best in the world, but which of those can become those players? And I think that's the intriguing thing about this season, which of those are going to really catch fire?'
The former Manchester United favourite also hopes to see a closer title race this season.
'Liverpool won it really comfortably last year and have had a great transfer window,' said Neville. 'And if they get Isak, which it looks like he's agitating for a move, then it will make them massive favourites. But City, Arsenal, Chelsea, I think will push them closer than last year.'
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'And I told him, 'You've got everything. With your ability, you will be at the top level for the next 10 years or even more, you will be one of the best players in the world, not just in the club but also in the national team'. 'I've heard stories of older players ganging up on youngsters to defend their territory, the sort of stuff you see in animal documentaries. 'I will never, ever undermine a team-mate of mine. That's not me. 'Yes, he plays in the same position as me. But I still need to acknowledge his talent, applaud him and help him, if only in a little way, to achieve his potential. 'He pushes me to become a better version of myself and to improve further. These are the demands at this level. If someone's better than you, you will be dropped. There's no option but to keep your head straight and to look forward.' 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