Liverpool's Midfield Vulnerability Exposed Again in Newcastle Draw
Daniel Sturridge has put Liverpool’s recruitment under the microscope after spotting the same old flaw in their Premier League opener at Newcastle United – a soft centre in midfield.
Same Problems, New Era
A new season, a new head coach, but a familiar story. Andoni Iraola has replaced Arne Slot, yet Liverpool’s first outing of the 2026/27 campaign at St. James’ Park exposed the same vulnerability that has dogged them for years: transition.
Liverpool were sliced open within minutes. Ryan Gravenberch was robbed just outside the Newcastle box, and in a flash the home side went from one end to the other. The counter ripped straight through the Reds and Anthony Elanga finished the move, a brutal reminder of how fragile Iraola’s team can look when they lose the ball.
Cody Gakpo briefly dragged Liverpool level early in the second half, offering a hint of control and composure in the final third. That platform didn’t last. The visitors were again undone on the break, this time substitute Joe Willock punishing their disorganisation in transition to restore Newcastle’s lead.
Liverpool escaped with a point thanks to late drama deep into stoppage time. Victor Munoz drew a penalty after a foul by Lewis Hall, and Dominik Szoboszlai buried the spot-kick with icy calm. The scoreboard said 2-2. The performance told a different story.
Sturridge Points to Missed Opportunity
For Sturridge, watching on as a pundit for Sky Sports, the draw did nothing to hide a structural issue he believes the club have failed to fix.
"I think the team needs a defensive midfielder, personally," he said. "We've been talking about a defensive midfielder at Liverpool for the last three years and I think Gravenberch coming in and winning the league changed that philosophy.
"But, if you actually analyze the midfield, they're all naturally more attacking players."
That concern sharpened when he looked at business done elsewhere in the division. Sturridge questioned why Liverpool did not move for Mamadou Sangare, the midfielder who joined Brentford this summer for what he described as a relatively modest fee.
"For instance, if you look at Brentford signing Mamadou Sangare," he continued. "The stats jump out on the page. They are third in interceptions, third in tackles, third in possession recovered. For me, £39 million ($52 million), you think to yourself, that's not a load of money for someone like Liverpool.
"I'm not suggesting he was the man, but the stats jump out the page. Liverpool don't have that profile of player right now."
No ‘Destroyer’ in Sight
Sturridge’s critique cut to the heart of Liverpool’s balance. He sees plenty of quality on the ball, but not enough bite without it.
"Trey Nyoni, I really like him, but he's more of a ball playing eight," he said. "He's not a destroyer and won't strike fear in the opposition, like a Sangare can. Or an N'Golo Kante over the years."
"I also think, if I'm being honest, [Dominik] Szoboszlai is better as a no.10."
It’s a damning assessment: a midfield full of technicians, short on natural stoppers. On Tyneside, that lack of a specialist holding player was laid bare every time Newcastle broke with pace and purpose.
Liverpool escaped with a point and a late penalty. The transfer window, though, is still open. The question now is whether Iraola and the club’s hierarchy agree with Sturridge – and if so, how long they can afford to wait before finding the destroyer their midfield so clearly lacks.
