The 2-2 draw against Newcastle United at St James' Park has starkly highlighted Liverpool's structural issues in the central midfield. Andoni Iraola's side started the game brightly but paid the price for naïve mistakes during transitional phases. BBC football correspondent Aadam Patel analysed the systemic vulnerabilities of the Merseysiders in the pivot role and evaluated the likelihood of emergency transfers before the summer window slams shut.
Both of the goals conceded were a result of Ryan Gravenberch’s mistakes in the opponent's penalty area:
- First goal: On the fourth minute, Gravenberch stylishly evaded Lewis Miley, but rather than taking a shot or passing to Dominik Szoboszlai, he lost possession. Just 11 seconds later, following a clearance from Amar Dedic, Anthony Elanga found the back of the net for the Magpies. At the moment of that turnover, both of Liverpool’s nominal central midfielders were in the opposition’s box.
- Second goal: In the second half, the Dutchman tried an audacious backheel in the host’s half, leading to Yoane Wissa carrying the ball through midfield and setting up Joe Willock. Central defenders Virgil van Dijk and Jeremy Doku failed to make timely interceptions, and there was no one to commit a tactical foul in the midfield.
Match statistics further illustrated the imbalance: the Gravenberch-Szoboszlai partnership failed to register a single tackle, winning only 40% and 30% of their duels respectively. Substitute Alexis Mac Allister added some stability, winning 80% of his duels and making two interceptions, though the Argentine is more comfortable in an advanced role.
In the post-match press conference, manager Andoni Iraola defended his players:
I firmly believe it’s not about specific individuals. I’m told Ryan Gravenberch is playing the ‘six’ and ends up in the opponent's area. If he’d scored, we’d be praising his genius. For the second goal conceded, we had enough players behind, but we didn’t engage, didn’t foul, and failed to close down the space to the ball carrier. These are collective mistakes that we need to correct as a team.
Former Reds striker Daniel Sturridge has been critical of the club's transfer strategy, stating that they have lacked a proper destroyer like Fabinho for three years, with all current midfielders showing a distinctly attacking profile. Liverpool had previously targeted this position unsuccessfully, missing out on players like Moises Caicedo and Martin Zubimendi.
Despite selling Curtis Jones to Inter and receiving a firm refusal from Crystal Palace regarding 22-year-old Adam Wharton, Liverpool's hierarchy and coaching staff do not plan on making emergency signings in the midfield. Iraola is relying on internal options like Wataru Endo, Trey Nzioni, and James McConnell, while keeping the main focus on securing a star winger.
