Liverpool faces Nottingham Forest on Sunday with a familiar face offering a pointed observation: Reds legend Jamie Carragher believes his former club should have prioritized signing Morgan Gibbs-White over Dominik Szoboszlai. The assessment comes as Szoboszlai has largely impressed in his debut season with Liverpool, becoming a key figure despite a challenging campaign for the team overall.
Szoboszlai has emerged as Liverpool’s second-leading scorer this season with 10 goals, trailing only Hugo Ekitike, and has become the team’s primary set-piece taker following the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold. Still, Carragher, who has been critical of Szoboszlai in the past, maintains that Gibbs-White possesses qualities that would have benefited Liverpool more immediately. This debate highlights the ongoing evaluation of Liverpool’s squad and potential transfer targets as they strive to regain their competitive edge.
Carragher’s assessment isn’t new. He first publicly voiced his preference for Gibbs-White last year, stating his conviction that the Nottingham Forest midfielder could thrive at a top club. “I’ve been watching Morgan Gibbs-White now for probably 18 months in the Premier League and I’m convinced he can play for one of the top teams,” Carragher told The Overlap US: It’s Called Soccer podcast. He praised Gibbs-White’s versatility, energy, and goal-scoring ability, suggesting he’s “as good as Szoboszlai, if not better, in that number 10 position.”
The former defender’s comments come as Szoboszlai has adapted to multiple roles under manager Arne Slot this season, showcasing his adaptability despite the team’s overall struggles. Szoboszlai’s 10 goals and seven assists this season are impressive, but Gibbs-White currently holds the edge in Premier League goal contributions, with six goals to Szoboszlai’s four.
Carragher’s Past Criticism of Szoboszlai
Carragher has not always been complimentary of Szoboszlai. He previously expressed concerns about the Hungarian’s goal return, a criticism Szoboszlai has addressed by surpassing his 2024/25 tally of eight goals this season. Carragher admitted to not being the player’s “biggest fan,” a sentiment that underscores his willingness to offer candid assessments, even of Liverpool’s key players. This willingness to critique, even popular figures, is a hallmark of Carragher’s punditry.
Statistical Comparison: Szoboszlai vs. Gibbs-White
While Szoboszlai leads in overall goal contributions with 10 goals and seven assists, Gibbs-White has been more prolific in the Premier League specifically, scoring six goals compared to Szoboszlai’s four. Both players are vital to their respective teams, but Carragher clearly believes Gibbs-White’s skillset aligns more closely with Liverpool’s needs. The comparison highlights the nuanced evaluation of player performance and potential impact that drives transfer decisions.
Liverpool’s clash against Nottingham Forest on Sunday will provide a direct comparison of the two players. Szoboszlai’s ability to influence the game from various positions will be crucial, while Gibbs-White will aim to demonstrate the qualities that convinced Carragher he’s a better fit for the Reds. The match offers a chance to see these two talented midfielders compete directly and potentially sway further opinions on their respective values.
As Liverpool navigates a challenging season, the debate over player acquisitions and evaluations will continue. Carragher’s comments serve as a reminder that even established players are subject to scrutiny, and that the pursuit of talent is a constant process. The outcome of Sunday’s match, and the continued performance of both Szoboszlai and Gibbs-White, will undoubtedly fuel further discussion about Liverpool’s squad and future transfer strategy.
What are your thoughts on Carragher’s assessment? Do you agree that Liverpool should have pursued Morgan Gibbs-White? Share your opinions in the comments below and join the conversation.