Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes that it will be "tough" for the Reds to compete for the Premier League title in the 2023-24 campaign.
On the back of a strong end to an underwhelming 2022-23 season, in which they went unbeaten in their final 11 top-flight games, Jurgen Klopp's men quickly established themselves near the top of the rankings in the early stages of the current campaign.
Liverpool took 16 points from their opening six Premier League matches before a highly frustrating 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, where Luis Diaz had a goal incorrectly ruled out for offside.
The Reds have already come from behind to win on three occasions in the top flight this term, and a similar story appeared to be unfolding in Sunday's encounter with Brighton & Hove Albion, where Mohamed Salah's quickfire brace cancelled out a Simon Adingra opener.
However, Klopp's men were caught cold from a free kick, as Lewis Dunk shinned home a late equaliser for the Seagulls, leaving Liverpool fourth in the table after going back-to-back games without a win.
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While Reds legend Carragher has been impressed with his old employers' start to the campaign, he believes that a Premier League title charge in 2024-25 is more realistic once Klopp has bolstered his squad further.
"Whether they can go on and win the biggest trophy which is the Premier League - I think that will be tough," Carragher told Sky Sports News ahead of Sunday's match. "I think that could be something Liverpool could go for next season with a couple more additions.
"It's been a promising start this season. And it looks like certainly in the first few weeks that this team he is building can hopefully go on to achieve what his previous teams have done."
Liverpool entered the new campaign with a refreshed set of midfield options, having severed ties with Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at the end of the 2022-23 season.
Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo were all signed to beef up Klopp's engine room, but only the former two have been regulars in the Premier League campaign so far.
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With Curtis Jones suspended and Gravenberch feeling the effects of Thursday's Europa League clash with Union SG, Harvey Elliott was given the nod alongside Szoboszlai and Mac Allister at the Amex, where the latter occupied the deepest midfield position.
However, the former Brighton man flattered to deceive in the number six role, and Carragher believes that Liverpool are still a man light in midfield and in defence, where Ibrahima Konate and Trent Alexander-Arnold have both struggled with injuries this season.
"I think Liverpool lack a top central midfield player and maybe another defender. Those gaps will be plugged whether that is in January or in the summer - I think they will be better equipped next season to go for the Premier League," the 45-year-old added.
Liverpool failed to bring in a new centre-back over the summer, but the Reds are rumoured to be keeping tabs on Sporting Lisbon's Goncalo Inacio and could make a move for the Portugal international in January if injuries pile up over the next couple of months.
Following the international break, Klopp's men welcome Merseyside adversaries Everton to Anfield in their next Premier League game on October 21.
Ben Knapton
