Liverpool's Midfield Weakness Exposed Again: Will They Strengthen Before Transfer Deadline?

Just over four minutes into Liverpool's match at Newcastle, there were signs of promise as they maintained possession with purpose. Ryan Gravenberch found space expertly past Lewis Miley but lost the ball instead of shooting or setting up Dominik Szoboszlai. Moments later, Newcastle took the lead through Anthony Elanga following a swift counterattack sparked by Amar Dedic's clearance.

Liverpool's disorganization when out of possession was glaring and set a troubling tone early on. The second half replayed a similar scenario when Gravenberch's risky back heel near Newcastle's box led to Yoane Wissa weaving past multiple Liverpool players and assisting Joe Willock for a second goal. Coach Andoni Iraola hinted that perhaps a foul could have prevented the danger, yet Liverpool paid the price once more.

Defensive Midfielder Absence Felt Strongly

Both goals exposed poor decision-making by Gravenberch and questioned the defensive responses from Virgil van Dijk and Jeremy Jacquet, who hesitated instead of engaging faster. The absence of a dedicated defensive midfielder since Fabinho’s departure in 2023 remains a glaring gap. Iraola currently favors a two-man midfield pivot with Florian Wirtz as the attacking number 10, but both Gravenberch and Szoboszlai were caught high up the pitch when Liverpool lost possession.

If Liverpool aim to compete seriously, conceding such goals repeatedly cannot continue.

Coach Iraola Defends His Midfield Setup

Iraola usually avoids intense post-match talks immediately, preferring discussions the next day. When asked about preventing those conceded goals, he insisted the issue wasn’t simply the midfield personnel chosen. He pointed out that if Gravenberch had scored from his position, it would be hailed as brilliance rather than fault.

"I think it’s just not personnel," Iraola said. "Ryan Gravenberch is the six and he is on the edge of the box - if he shoots and scores we say what a play from him."

Gravenberch did assist Cody Gakpo's equalizer, showing his offensive value. After Newcastle went ahead 2-1, Iraola substituted Wirtz for Alexis Mac Allister, who brought more defensive solidity, even though he prefers playing further forward.

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

Iraola emphasized teamwork is needed to correct defensive lapses, especially after the second goal where they improved numbers but failed to foul or close down the attacker quickly enough.

The expected goals (xG) at full-time showed Newcastle at 1.43 and Liverpool at 2.73, highlighting how ruthlessly Newcastle capitalized on their chances.

Transfer Window Focus: Will Liverpool Strengthen Midfield?

Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge criticized the current squad sharply on Sky Sports, stating Liverpool lack a proper defensive midfielder and have been missing one for three years due to their midfielders being attack-oriented.

"Liverpool do not have that profile of player right now," Sturridge said. "The team has needed a defensive midfielder for three years."

Despite this, Liverpool’s transfer focus remains on attacking wide players rather than midfield reinforcements, even after Curtis Jones departed. Manager Iraola appears satisfied with midfield depth, relying on backups like Wataru Endo, Trey Nyoni, and James McConnell.

Liverpool have previously shown interest in Adam Wharton, but Crystal Palace insists he is not for sale. Past pursuits under Jurgen Klopp included Moises Caicedo in 2023 and Martin Zubimendi in 2024, though the latter chose Arsenal instead.

Last season, Gravenberch thrived under Arne Slot as Liverpool claimed the Premier League title, perhaps masking midfield weaknesses. Instead of addressing midfield stability last summer, Liverpool prioritized attacking additions like Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike.

Now those vulnerabilities are much clearer, and Iraola must ensure his midfield becomes tougher to break down to prevent further costly goals.