Liverpool's Midfield Weakness Exposed Again: Will They Strengthen in January?
Just over four minutes into their match at St James' Park, Liverpool looked promising with good ball control and urgency. Ryan Gravenberch showcased skill by beating Lewis Miley but lost possession instead of shooting or passing to Dominik Szoboszlai. Seconds later, Newcastle took the lead through Anthony Elanga after a swift counterattack, exposing Liverpool’s lack of defensive structure when not in possession.
The second half repeated the pattern. Gravenberch tried a risky backheel near the Newcastle box, was dispossessed, and Yoane Wissa capitalized with a brilliant run before assisting Joe Willock’s goal. Andoni Iraola suggested one of his players could have fouled to stop the attack, but Liverpool paid the price again.
Gravenberch's decision-making drew criticism, and defenders Virgil van Dijk and Jeremy Jacquet might have reacted too slowly. A dedicated defensive midfielder could have helped prevent these moments. Since Fabinho's departure in 2023, Liverpool has lacked a true number six, with Iraola preferring a two-man midfield pivot and using Florian Wirtz as a number 10. Notably, both Gravenberch and Szoboszlai were caught high up the pitch during Newcastle’s first goal.
Head Coach's View: It's Not Just About Personnel
Iraola avoids lengthy immediate post-match talks, preferring to discuss matters with players the next day. When asked about preventing such goals, he downplayed blaming midfield personnel alone. He remarked that if Gravenberch had scored from that position, it would have been praised as a great play. Interestingly, Gravenberch did assist Cody Gakpo’s equalizer earlier.
After Newcastle regained the lead, Iraola brought on Alexis Mac Allister for Wirtz, which seemed to stabilize the midfield defensively, even though Mac Allister prefers playing as an eight.
- Szoboszlai: 0 tackles, won 3/10 duels (30%)
- Gravenberch: 0 tackles, won 4/10 duels (40%)
- Mac Allister: 2 tackles, won 4/5 duels (80%)
Iraola admitted the team must adapt and improve collectively to prevent similar situations, noting the second goal was a stunning strike despite better defensive numbers. The expected goals (xG) figures underscored Newcastle’s clinical finishing against Liverpool's chances: 1.43 for Newcastle, 2.73 for Liverpool.
Will Liverpool Reinforce Their Midfield?
Former striker Daniel Sturridge criticized Liverpool’s midfield, stating, "The team has needed a defensive midfielder for three years. All their midfielders are naturally attacking players." Despite this, Liverpool’s transfer focus remains on adding wide attacking players, even after Curtis Jones left.
Liverpool will consider midfield reinforcements if the right chance arises, but Iraola seems confident in the current options behind the starters, including Wataru Endo, Trey Nyoni, and James McConnell. They reportedly showed interest in Adam Wharton, but Crystal Palace is unwilling to sell the 22-year-old.
Previously, under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool attempted to sign Moises Caicedo in 2023, and in early 2024, they pursued Martin Zubimendi, who declined the move. Gravenberch impressed last season under Slot, helping mask deeper issues as Liverpool won the Premier League. Last summer, the club prioritized offensive signings like Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike rather than strengthening midfield defense.
Those weaknesses are now more obvious, and Iraola knows that without a tougher midfield, Liverpool will continue to concede easily.
