Liverpool’s Midfield Woes Highlight Need for Defensive Reinforcement

Just over four minutes into their match at St James' Park on Sunday, Liverpool started brightly, controlling possession and showing urgency. Ryan Gravenberch skillfully created space past Lewis Miley, but instead of shooting or setting up Dominik Szoboszlai, he lost the ball.

Seconds later, Newcastle took the lead with Anthony Elanga finishing a swift counterattack following Amar Dedic's clearance. Liverpool showed no defensive structure when out of possession, a glaring weakness that haunted them again in the second half.

After another turnover by Gravenberch near the Newcastle box, Yoane Wissa raced through midfield, evading multiple defenders before passing to Joe Willock, who scored with ease. The team paid the price for poor decision-making and slow reactions from central defenders Virgil van Dijk and Jeremy Jacquet. A dedicated defensive midfielder could have likely prevented these attacks.

No True Defensive Midfielder Since Fabinho

Since Fabinho's departure in 2023, Liverpool has lacked a clear number six. Head coach Andoni Iraola favors a two-man midfield pivot, deploying Florian Wirtz as the number 10. Both Gravenberch and Szoboszlai were caught deep in the Newcastle box during the opener, leaving gaps behind them.

Such errors can't happen regularly if Liverpool wants to be competitive.

Iraola Sees It Beyond Personnel

Iraola prefers to discuss performance issues away from immediate post-match scrutiny. He suggested that the problem was not just about who plays midfield but how they act.

"I think it’s not just personnel," said Iraola. "If Gravenberch shoots and scores, we praise him for that play."

Indeed, Gravenberch assisted Cody Gakpo’s equalizer. Yet after Newcastle retook the lead, Iraola brought on Alexis Mac Allister for Wirtz, improving defensive stability despite Mac Allister’s preference for an eight role.

Statistically, Szoboszlai made no tackles and won only 30% of his duels, while Gravenberch made no tackles and won 40%. Mac Allister, coming on later, made two tackles and won 80% of his duels.

"We have to adapt as a team," Iraola added. "The second goal came despite better numbers defensively. We missed fouls, failed first challenges, and didn’t close down the ball carrier. These are situations we must correct together."

The expected goals (xG) at full-time were 1.43 for Newcastle and 2.73 for Liverpool, indicating that Newcastle capitalized efficiently on chances.

Will Liverpool Strengthen Their Midfield?

On Sky Sports, former striker Daniel Sturridge was blunt in his view:

"Liverpool currently lack the profile of a defensive midfielder. The team has needed one for three years. Their midfield is full of attacking players."

Despite this, Liverpool continues to focus on acquiring wide attackers rather than reinforcing midfield depth. After Curtis Jones’s exit, the club remains open to market opportunities but believes its current midfield backups—Wataru Endo, Trey Nyoni, and James McConnell—are sufficient.

Liverpool had shown interest in Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace, but the club insists he is not available. Previous efforts to sign players like Moises Caicedo and Martin Zubimendi fell through, with the latter declining a move.

Gravenberch’s strong season under former coach Arne Slot masked some weaknesses, but last summer's transfer window focused on bolstering attack with Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike rather than shoring up midfield.

Those midfield vulnerabilities are now apparent. Iraola faces pressure to make that part of the team harder to break down or risk continuing to concede easy goals.

• Match Stats - Newcastle vs Liverpool
• 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 (after substitution)
• Mac Allister Duels Won: 4 of 5 (80%)