Liverpool's Midfield Shows Weaknesses – Will They Strengthen in the Transfer Market?

Just over four minutes into the match at St James' Park, Liverpool seemed lively, controlling possession and pushing forward. Ryan Gravenberch’s clever move past Lewis Miley opened up space, yet instead of shooting or passing to Dominik Szoboszlai, he lost the ball. Seconds later, Newcastle took the lead through Anthony Elanga after a swift counterattack.

The Reds lacked defensive shape when out of possession, leaving them exposed in a poor start for manager Andoni Iraola. In the second half, Gravenberch again lost possession with a risky backheel near the box. Yoane Wissa capitalized on this, weaving through several Liverpool players before assisting Joe Willock’s goal. Iraola hinted that a tactical foul might have been the smart choice, but Liverpool paid the price.

Both goals reflected questionable decisions by Gravenberch and slower reactions from defenders Virgil van Dijk and Jeremy Jacquet. A dedicated defensive midfielder might have prevented these breakdowns. Since Fabinho’s departure in 2023, Liverpool has not had a true number six. Iraola prefers a two-man midfield pivot with Florian Wirtz as the number 10, but both Gravenberch and Szoboszlai were caught too far forward during Newcastle’s opener.

Coach Iraola Downplays Personnel as the Issue

Post-match, Iraola avoided blaming his midfielders outright. He suggested the problem wasn’t simply about who was playing. He pointed out that if Gravenberch’s shot had found the net instead of leading to a turnover, it would have been praised as skillful play.

“I think it’s just not personnel,” said Iraola. “Ryan Gravenberch is the six and he is on the edge of the box – if he shoots and scores, we call it a great play.”

Gravenberch did assist Cody Gakpo’s equalizer, which complicates the picture. When Newcastle took the lead again, Iraola brought on Alexis Mac Allister for Wirtz, stabilizing the midfield somewhat, although Mac Allister usually plays higher up as an eight.

• Szoboszlai: 0 tackles, won 3 of 10 duels (30%)
• Gravenberch: 0 tackles, won 4 of 10 duels (40%)
• Mac Allister (after coming on): 2 tackles, won 4 of 5 duels (80%)

Iraola stressed the team needs to adapt collectively to such situations, noting that the second Newcastle goal came despite improved numbers defending. He pointed out that no single player is responsible, emphasizing corrections must come from multiple team members.

The expected goals (xG) for the game were 1.43 for Newcastle and 2.73 for Liverpool, showing Newcastle took their chances efficiently against a vulnerable Liverpool side.

Will Liverpool Make Moves Before the Transfer Deadline?

Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge criticized the current squad on Sky Sports, saying, “Liverpool do not have that profile of player right now. The team has needed a defensive midfielder for three years. If you analyse the midfield, they are all naturally attacking players.”

Despite this, Liverpool’s transfer focus remains on wide attacking players even after Curtis Jones’ departure. The club will consider midfield reinforcements if opportunities arise, but Iraola appears confident in the current depth, which includes Wataru Endo, Trey Nyoni, and James McConnell as backups.

Liverpool has shown interest in Adam Wharton, but Crystal Palace is unwilling to sell the 22-year-old. Attempts under Jurgen Klopp to sign Moises Caicedo in 2023 and interest in Martin Zubimendi in 2024 fell through, with the latter player opting against a move.

Gravenberch’s strong performances last season under Arne Slot helped mask midfield weaknesses, as Liverpool secured the Premier League title. The 2023 summer window focused on boosting attack with signings like Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike rather than strengthening midfield defense.

Now, those midfield gaps are clearer, and Iraola must ensure his midfield becomes tougher to break down to avoid conceding preventable goals.