Liverpool’s Midfield Weakness Exposed Again – Will They Reinforce in January?
Just over four minutes into the match at St James’ Park on Sunday, Liverpool showed some promise, maintaining possession and moving with urgency. Ryan Gravenberch managed to create space with a clever touch past Lewis Miley, but instead of shooting or setting up Dominik Szoboszlai, he lost the ball. Moments later, Newcastle took the lead through Anthony Elanga following a swift counterattack sparked by Amar Dedic’s clearance.
The lack of defensive structure when Liverpool lost possession was glaring and marked a poor start for manager Andoni Iraola. The pattern repeated in the second half when Gravenberch’s failed back heel led to Yoane Wissa’s impressive run and Joe Willock’s composed finish. Iraola hinted that perhaps a foul should have been committed to stop the attack, but Liverpool were punished again.
Examining both goals, Gravenberch’s choices seemed off, and defenders Virgil van Dijk and Jeremy Jacquet might have reacted too cautiously. A defensive midfielder positioned correctly would likely have prevented these threats. Since Fabinho’s departure in 2023, Liverpool hasn’t had a true number six. Iraola prefers a two-man midfield pivot with Florian Wirtz as the number 10. Notably, both Gravenberch and Szoboszlai were caught too far forward during the first goal.
Iraola Sees Beyond Personnel Issues
Iraola tends to avoid immediate post-match breakdowns, preferring discussions the next day. When asked about preventing goals like Newcastle’s, he dismissed blaming personnel alone. He pointed out that if Gravenberch had scored from his advanced position, it would have been praised. Interestingly, Gravenberch did assist Cody Gakpo’s equaliser in the same game.
After Newcastle went ahead 2-1, Iraola introduced Alexis Mac Allister for Wirtz, which stabilized Liverpool’s defense somewhat, even though Mac Allister prefers playing further up the pitch. Szoboszlai made no tackles and won just 30% of his duels, while Gravenberch also struggled defensively. Mac Allister, by contrast, won 80% of his duels and made two tackles after coming on.
"We have to adapt as a team to these situations and know they can happen," Iraola said. "In the second goal, we probably had better numbers to defend but didn’t make the foul, didn’t challenge quickly enough, and allowed an incredible goal."
The expected goals (xG) stats showed Liverpool created more chances (2.73) than Newcastle (1.43), but Newcastle capitalized ruthlessly.
Will Liverpool Strengthen Their Midfield This Window?
On Sky Sports, ex-Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge criticized the squad’s midfield, pointing out the absence of a true defensive midfielder for years. Liverpool’s transfer focus remains on attacking wide players, despite Curtis Jones leaving. Iraola appears confident in his midfield depth, relying on backups like Wataru Endo, Trey Nyoni, and James McConnell.
Liverpool reportedly showed interest in Adam Wharton, who has 71 Premier League appearances for Crystal Palace, but Palace is unwilling to sell. In past windows, under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool pursued Moises Caicedo in 2023 and eyed Martin Zubimendi in 2024, but deals fell through.
Gravenberch impressed under Arne Slot last season, helping Liverpool clinch the Premier League title, possibly masking midfield weaknesses. Last summer's signings—Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike—focused on enhancing the attack, not reinforcing the midfield. Those midfield shortcomings are now more obvious, and Iraola understands that making the middle harder to break down is critical to avoiding further concessions.
- Match xG: Newcastle 1.43, Liverpool 2.73
- Szoboszlai Tackles: 0
- Szoboszlai Duels Won: 3 of 10 (30%)
- Gravenberch Tackles: 0
- Gravenberch Duels Won: 4 of 10 (40%)
- Mac Allister Tackles: 2
- Mac Allister Duels Won: 4 of 5 (80%)
