Dominik Szoboszlai's 99th-minute penalty salvaged a 2-2 draw for Liverpool at Newcastle United on Sunday, but the performance reignited debate about the team's midfield balance. Former Reds striker Daniel Sturridge became the latest pundit to call for a defensive-minded signing, while coach Andoni Iraola insisted the issue is not just about personnel.
Sturridge calls for midfield change
Speaking on Sky Sports, Sturridge said: "We have been talking about a defensive midfielder at Liverpool for the last three years and I think [Ryan] Gravenberch coming into the team and playing consistently and Liverpool winning the Premier League sort of changed that philosophy. But if you actually analyse the midfield, then they're all naturally more attacking players. Szoboszlai is probably better as a number 10. He strikes the ball well, he sets the press very well and all in all I think he's a more offensive minded player when you talk about the counter attack and the goal they conceded."
The draw came against a Newcastle side missing Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and Joelinton. Liverpool dominated possession (53.3% in the first half, 67.8% in the second) and had more shots (27 to 13) and higher xG (2.98 to 1.58), but Newcastle created three big chances to Liverpool's two before the penalty and looked more threatening on the break.
Counter-attack vulnerabilities exposed
Liverpool's attacks were heavily skewed to the right (38.7%), but Rio Ngumoha and Jeremie Frimpong exchanged just three passes in 62 minutes together. Newcastle played 17.9% of their passes long in both halves and were ruthless in transition. Yoane Wissa won 11 of 19 duels, set up a goal, and accumulated 1.0 xG, though he missed a clear chance from 0.51 xG when the score was 2-1.
Iraola acknowledged the tactical issue, saying: "It's not just personnel. I understand that Ryan Gravenberch is basically the number six and is on the edge of the box, and if he shoots and scores then we are saying, 'what a play from Ryan Gravenberch.' I don't want us to take that from his game but we have to adapt as a team to these situations, we have to know these situations can happen. The second goal we did better in terms of having the numbers to defend, but we don’t make a foul or go to the first challenge. It's not just because one person is playing there. It's something we have to correct between a lot of players."
Average position data showed Gravenberch played higher than Szoboszlai, close to the forward line, leaving a large gap to central defenders Jeremy Jacquet and Virgil van Dijk. With both full-backs pushing high, the midfield's 'rest defence' understanding was exposed, and Liverpool managed only 249 of their 445 passes in Newcastle's half.
Transfer priorities under scrutiny
Despite the midfield concerns, Liverpool's transfer activity has focused elsewhere. Victor Munoz won the late penalty after coming off the bench, while Bradley Barcola and Yankuba Minteh have been targeted. Ronald Araujo has joined to bolster defence, but no dedicated defensive midfielder has been linked, even after Curtis Jones left for Inter Milan for £30m.
With Champions League football starting in two weeks, Iraola will have less time to drill his side on off-the-ball responsibilities. Whether Liverpool invest in a midfielder or rely on internal solutions could define how quickly they adapt to the high-octane style supporters want.
