Liverpool conceded twice in the same manner at Newcastle United in pre-season, raising questions about the balance of their midfield. Manager Andoni Iraola, however, insists the issue is not simply about personnel.
The first goal came when Ryan Gravenberch opted for a pass along the edge of the box after advancing forward. Newcastle countered, allowing William Osula to slide in Anthony Elanga, who scored his first goal in 50 Newcastle league appearances less than five minutes into Matthias Jaissle's tenure on Tyneside.
A pattern of vulnerability
Gravenberch's surge forward left Dominik Szoboszlai, his midfield partner, unable to screen a back four exposed by the velocity of Newcastle's counter-attack. The second goal, scored by Joe Willock just 110 seconds after his introduction, followed another bungled play by Gravenberch, whose unsuccessful back-heel gifted possession to Newcastle on the edge of the box.
Szoboszlai was well placed to stop the counter but failed to sweep up, allowing a mildly threatening raid to develop into a goal. With Wirtz and Szoboszlai tracking back with little determination, Newcastle made light of being outmanned two to four on the edge of the Liverpool box to make it 2-1.
Criticism and defense
Former striker Daniel Sturridge told Sky Sports: "I think the team needs a defensive midfielder personally. We've been speaking about a defensive midfielder for the last three years at Liverpool. And Gravenberch coming into the team and winning the league sort of changed that philosophy."
Jamie Carragher posted on X after the opening goal: "LFC Midfield all bombing forward happened all pre season, madness!" After the second, he added: "Again! This midfield cannot work, I said it before a competitive ball was kicked."
Iraola, speaking in his post-match press conference, said: "It's not just personnel. I understand that Ryan Gravenberch is basically the No.6 and is on the edge of their box (before Newcastle's first goal). If he shoots and scores then we are saying what a play from Ryan Gravenberch."
Transfer history and future
Liverpool remain insistent that Curtis Jones's departure to Inter in a £30m deal won't facilitate a move for another midfielder. Between 2022 and 2024, the Reds tried to sign Aurelien Tchouameni, Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo and Martin Zubimendi, all central midfielders who might be deemed No.6s.
The obvious counterpoint is Wataru Endo, but he hasn't played competitively since February and has rarely risen above 'squad player' status in his three years on Merseyside. At 33, he is not the long-term fix to a growing problem.
Szoboszlai, Gravenberch and substitute Alexis Mac Allister are all in their fourth season at the club and have proven, with the right balance, that they can be successful. Whether a specialist holding midfielder is required to redress the balance remains an opinion that is becoming harder to ignore.
